- Holiday fraud is a growing concern in the UK, with a staggering £12.3 million lost to scams last year.
- As British holidaymakers seek out bargain deals for their getaways, many are falling victim to fraudsters. Recent data sheds light on this troubling trend by analyzing Google search trends across UK cities.
- The analysis reveals which areas are most actively searching for holiday deals and, consequently, are at the highest risk of being scammed.
A recent study assessed keywords such as ‘travel packages,’ ‘holiday deals,’ ‘cheap last-minute holidays,’ and ‘cheap airline tickets’ to determine which cities are most likely to fall prey to holiday fraud.
Leading the list is Durham, with an average of 14,754 Google searches for holiday deals per month. This figure is more than double that of the runner-up city, Bolton, which averages 6,885 searches per month.
Warwick follows closely behind with 6,306 searches, while Croydon ranks fourth with 5,597 searches.
In 2023, Action Fraud received 6,640 reports of holiday fraud, a figure likely driven by more people seeking affordable holiday options due to the cost-of-living crisis. The lure of cheap travel deals has made many vulnerable to scams, with fraudsters capitalizing on the financial pressures faced by many.
The study also examined Trustpilot reviews of travel providers to identify those with the highest percentage of scam-related comments.
Airbnb tops the list, with 8.5% of reviews referencing scams. Trivago comes in second with 7.5%, and Hotels.com is third with 6.5% of reviews mentioning scam keywords. This data underscores the importance of vigilance when booking holidays online.
Dennis Pedersen, CEO of PayFasto, emphasizes the need for consumers to be cautious and conduct thorough research before making any payments. He highlights several red flags and precautionary measures that can help prevent falling victim to holiday fraud.
One of the key indicators of a potential scam is the price. Pedersen advises travelers to compare prices across different holiday companies. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often lure victims with exceptionally low prices to entice them into making quick, uninformed decisions.
Another critical aspect to check is whether the travel provider is ATOL protected.
The ATOL (Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing) scheme offers protection when booking a package trip that includes a flight. This protection is separate from travel insurance and provides a safety net in case the travel company goes out of business. Legitimate travel booking websites typically display an ATOL-protected sticker, and consumers should receive an ATOL certificate upon booking.
The official ATOL website also allows consumers to verify the legitimacy of their booking.
Pedersen also stresses the importance of customer service. A reputable travel site should have a readily accessible customer service team to address any questions or concerns. If a website lacks contact options or has no customer service support, this should raise a red flag. Researching the site’s customer service options can provide insight into its legitimacy.
Payment processing is another area where scammers often exploit unsuspecting travelers. Pedersen warns against transferring money directly to a bank account.
Reputable travel sites should handle payments securely online. One safe payment method is using a credit card, as major credit card providers often protect online purchases and offer refunds for fraudulent transactions under certain circumstances. It’s essential to check with the card provider for specific protections.
Using a credit card also minimizes the risk to the traveler’s main current account if payment details are stolen. Other secure payment options include Google Pay, Apple Pay, and services like PayPal, which keep the payer’s details confidential from the business.
The rise in holiday fraud over the past few years calls for heightened awareness and precautionary measures. By staying informed and vigilant, travelers can enjoy their holidays without the fear of being scammed.
In summary, the significant increase in holiday fraud in the UK highlights the need for consumers to be cautious when seeking travel deals. Conducting thorough research, ensuring ATOL protection, verifying customer service availability, and using secure payment methods can help mitigate the risk of falling victim to scams.
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is, and taking the time to investigate can save holidaymakers from financial loss and disappointment.
