North East holidaymakers issued scam warning to avoid fake holidays

A recent survey, conducted by Opinium, found that 34% of travellers have noticed an increase in potential scams on social media platforms over the past year.

Head of risk at emerchantpay, George Ralchev, said: “Holidaymakers are being targeted by social media scammers looking to take advantage of the peak travel season.”

The survey also revealed that:

• 70% of people are now cautious about promotional holiday emails due to fear of fraud.
• 50% prefer using online or high street travel businesses that clearly explain their consumer protection measures.

How to spot travel scams

Travel scams can include fake accommodation, non-existent flights, or fraudulent tours sold to holidaymakers while abroad.

Scammers often use copied photos from legitimate websites and may ask victims to pay via bank transfer.

Holidaymakers may also want to check if the company involved is a member of ABTA (a trade association for UK travel agents, tour operators and the wider travel industry).

People booking package deals with a flight could also check coverage under the ATOL financial protection scheme.

Lisa Webb, consumer law expert at Which?, said: “There are ways to help you spot fake holiday listings – such as using a reverse image search to check for stolen images or checking the property’s location on an online map to see that it exists.

“Always book through official, trusted channels and avoid paying by bank transfer for anything advertised on social media.

“If you think you have lost money to a holiday booking scam, contact your bank immediately and report it to Report Fraud or Police Scotland.”

Have you been the target of a travel scam? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.