With the summer holiday season in full swing, thousands of British travellers risk falling victim to increasingly sophisticated scams that could leave them out of pocket and without a holiday.
With fraudsters stealing a staggering £12.3 million from unsuspecting holidaymakers last year alone, according to data from Action Fraud, the need for vigilance has never been greater. The rise in last-minute bookings and tempting offers on social media have created ideal conditions for scammers to take advantage of eager travellers looking to bag a deal.
“The excitement of booking a holiday can sometimes cloud our judgement, making us more susceptible to scams,” warns Gavin Lapidus, Director of eShores, a team of leading travel consultants that plan bespoke holidays. “Scammers are becoming increasingly clever, using tactics that can fool even the savviest of travellers. It’s crucial to stay vigilant and know the warning signs.”
To help holidaymakers protect themselves, eShores offers the following tips for identifying and avoiding holiday scams:
- Beware of social media ‘dream holiday’ giveaways
Everyone has seen those enticing Facebook posts promising luxury holidays for just a share and a like, but sadly, they’re often too good to be true. Scammers use these to collect personal data and can also spread malware. To stay safe, always verify the legitimacy of competitions and never share personal information on public posts.
- Don’t rush into ‘last-minute’ deals
Pressure tactics are a scammer’s best friend. Be wary of offers that push you to book immediately or risk losing out. Legitimate companies will give you time to consider your options. If it feels rushed, it could be a red flag.
- Check for ATOL protection
Before booking, check if your travel company is ATOL protected. This government-backed scheme ensures you won’t lose money or become stranded abroad if your travel company ceases trading. Many reputable travel companies, including eShores, offer ATOL protection and you can verify a company’s ATOL status on the Civil Aviation Authority’s website.
- Avoid ‘direct’ bookings for excursions and activities
While it might seem savvy to book excursions directly to save money, this can be risky. Stick to reputable channels or book through established travel providers. Always research the company offering the excursion and look for insurance details and reviews from previous customers before booking.
- If it looks too good to be true, it probably is
Unbelievably cheap holidays or luxury accommodations at budget prices should raise suspicions. Compare prices with other providers and if there’s a significant discrepancy, always proceed with caution.
“The key to avoiding holiday scams is to book through reputable, ATOL-protected travel companies,” Lapidus emphasises. “ATOL protection ensures that you won’t lose money or become stranded abroad if your travel company collapses. Always verify a company’s ATOL status before booking and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.”
For more information on eShores, and how they can help you plan and book your dream holiday safely, visit https://www.eshores.co.uk/
