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As the popularity of online holiday bookings continues to rise, so too does the risk of falling victim to holiday scams. From fake accommodation listings to phishing emails impersonating trusted travel brands, fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

Simon Roberts, solicitor at ARAG Law, takes a look at what you need to know to stay safe—and what to do if you think you’ve been scammed.

Common holiday scam tactics

Holiday scams often involve:

  • Fake accommodation listings

    Fraudsters copy images and descriptions from legitimate sites and post them on fake platforms or classified ads.

  • Phishing emails

    Scammers impersonate booking platforms like Booking.com, sending emails that mimic official branding and request payment confirmations or personal details.

  • Direct payment requests

    Victims are lured into paying by bank transfer with the promise of discounts, bypassing secure payment systems.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Book through trusted sources

    Use ABTA- or ATOL-protected travel agents or well-known platforms. Always check for the padlock symbol (https) in the browser address bar.

  • Avoid bank transfers

    Pay by credit or debit card for added protection under the Consumer Credit Act.

  • Verify listings

    Use reverse image searches to check if photos appear on multiple sites. Contact the property owner directly to confirm your booking.

  • Be cautious with unsolicited offers

    Ignore unexpected emails, texts, or social media messages offering cheap holidays.

What to do if you’ve been scammed

  • Contact your bank immediately

    Use the number on your card or bank statement. They may be able to stop the transaction or recover funds.

  • Report the fraud

    To Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040 6. If the scam involved a travel company claiming ABTA membership, report it to ABTA at https://www.abta.com.

  • Preserve evidence

    Keep all emails, receipts, screenshots, and correspondence related to the booking.

  • Check your credit report

    If you’ve shared personal information, monitor your credit file for suspicious activity.

Legal Protection

UK consumers may be protected under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Credit Act 1974 if they paid by credit card. If the booking was part of a package holiday, the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 may also apply, giving you the right to claim against the UK-based organiser.

 

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Disclaimer - all information in this article was correct at time of publishing.

 

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