How to protect yourself from holiday scams online

Holidaymakers have been urged to be on the lookout for scammers on social media.

According to emerchantpay, one in three (34%) travellers have seen a surge in potential travel scams on social media over the last year.

Scammers are using all sorts of tactics to target holidaymakers as the peak travel season approaches, such as:

• advertising fake holiday accommodation or flights
• offering tours to holidaymakers that don’t exist
• using photos from real websites to look convincing
• asking for bank transfers

So what can you do to stay safe as the summer holiday season approaches?

Check the holiday is real

If you spot a great deal on social media, take a few minutes to check it's genuine. 

Search for the destination on an online map, look up the property's name and try a reverse image search to see if the photos have been copied from somewhere else.

Book through trusted websites

Be wary of anyone asking you to pay by bank transfer, especially if you've found them through social media. 

Whenever possible, book through well-known travel companies or official booking websites.

Paying by credit card can also give you extra protection if something goes wrong.

Read independent reviews

Check independent review websites to see what other travellers have said, rather than testimonials on the seller’s website.

If you can't find any reviews, or they all seem overly positive, treat it as a red flag.

Double-check website links

Scammers often create fake websites that look almost identical to genuine travel companies.

Check the web address carefully for spelling mistakes, extra words or unusual endings before entering any personal or payment details.

Trust your instincts

Remember the old adage that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. 

Be cautious if you're being pressured to book quickly, pay immediately or communicate outside the booking platform. 

Taking a little extra time to check could save you from losing hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

How to report a scam

If you spot a scam or believe you’ve been defrauded, report it to Report Fraud at www.reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

If you get a scam email, forward them to [email protected], and if you received a dodgy text, forward it to 7726.

What else can I do if I’ve been scammed?

If you believe you have fallen victim to a scam:

• contact your bank or card provider immediately and explain what has happened
• change any passwords that may have been compromised
• monitor your accounts for suspicious activity
• run a security scan on your device and ensure your software is up to date

The sooner you act, the better your chances of limiting any financial loss and protecting your personal information.

Check out our guide on how to outsmart online scammers for more tips to help you stay safe.