Avoid holiday scams with our pre-booking checklist

January, along with June and July, is one of the busiest months for holiday bookings. Unfortunately, it’s also when scammers step up their efforts to trick unsuspecting travellers out of their hard-earned money.

With AI making scams more convincing than ever, it’s crucial to stay vigilant.

Here’s a pre-booking checklist to help you stay safe before you hit ‘book now’.

1. Stick to reputable websites

Start your booking on well-known, trusted travel sites rather than through social media posts or chat apps. Scammers often hide behind flashy ads or fake pages.

2. Double-check the URL

Always check the website address in your browser. Scammers often create URLs that look almost identical to real companies, but with tiny differences.

3. Beware of pressure tactics

Be wary of urgent messages or deals that create fear of missing out. Scammers use this to push you into decisions before you have time to think.

4. Avoid bank transfers

If a company asks you to pay via bank transfer, treat it as a red flag. Bank transfers don’t offer the same protections as credit cards, including Section 75 coverage in the UK.

5. Verify the business

Check if the company is registered with recognised bodies like ABTA or ATOL. Legitimate operators will proudly display their membership numbers, and you can verify them online.

6. Check reviews carefully

Look at independent reviews on multiple platforms, not just the testimonials on the booking site. Be alert to generic or overly positive reviews, as they could be fake.

7. Use secure payment methods

Pay with a credit card where possible, as this often provides extra protection. Avoid payments via crypto, gift cards, or money transfer services.

8. Cross-check accommodation photos

Do a reverse image search of hotel or rental photos. Scammers sometimes copy images from legitimate sites to make their listings look real.

9. Keep records

Save screenshots of booking confirmations, emails and payment receipts. These can be crucial if something goes wrong.

10. Trust your instincts

If something feels off, step back. A legitimate deal will survive a few minutes of careful scrutiny.