As summer 2024 unfolds, millions of holidaymakers will head to continental Europe with UK travellers visiting for its history, art collections, and sparkling coastlines. However, as the peak weeks of the season approach, scammers are gearing up to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers.
Action Fraud, the national fraud and cyber crime reporting service, received 6,640 reports of holiday fraud last year. The two months with the highest number of reports were July and August. Across the year, travellers lost a combined total of £12.3m, with an average loss of £1,851 per victim.
With this in mind, here are seven prevalent holiday scams and how to avoid them this summer.
Fake accommodation listings
How it works: Fraudsters create fake listings for attractive holiday rentals. As more travellers choose to book independently, as opposed to purchasing package holidays, these types of scams have become prevalent. Fraudsters often use stolen or misleading photos and offer attractive, below-market rates to lure in cost-conscious travellers. Customers pay a significant deposit, or even the full amount upfront, only to discover upon arrival that the property doesn’t exist, is already occupied or looks notably different from the accommodation advertised.
Many accommodation booking websites have internal messaging and payments systems. Fraudulent listings will often try to communicate with potential victims outside of these internal channels, usually via email or WhatsApp.
How to avoid it: Always book through reputable platforms, though be aware that the large booking platforms are not immune to fraudulent posts. Read reviews posted by users with legitimate profiles, and verify the property’s existence by cross-referencing photos on Google Maps or on other listing sites.
Watch out for messages designed to create pressure or to add a sense of urgency. For instance, a message to say that previously unavailable dates are now suddenly available, but only if you pay upfront, via a bank transfer, or “direct” rather than through a third party platform. Similarly, be wary of discounts for immediate payment, or warnings that the property will be let to another party unless you commit to the booking immediately.
Use internal card-based payment systems, and pay with credit cards rather than debit cards wherever possible, as credit cards typically offer greater legal protections.
Overpriced taxi journeys
How it works: Some taxi drivers, particularly in tourist hotspots, take advantage of foreigners less familiar with routes across the city and the cost of transport, by overcharging them. They may use rigged meters or have no meter at all, take longer routes claiming roadworks or diversions, or simply demand exorbitant fares.
How to avoid it: Use licensed taxi services – make sure to learn what details official and licensed taxis in a particular city or region must have. Agree on a fare before starting the journey, or use ride-hailing apps, which provide upfront pricing and eliminate the risk of being overcharged. It is also advisable to check and be familiar with your route before your journey, and to research where flat fares, if any, apply across the area you are travelling to.
Pickpocketing and distraction scams
How it works: In crowded tourist areas, pickpockets work in teams to distract and steal from tourists. For example, The Plaza Mayor area in Madrid is one of many European tourist hotspots that has become particularly notorious for this type of distraction scam. One person might approach travellers to ask for directions or to create a commotion, while another takes wallets, phones, or other valuables.
How to avoid it: Stay vigilant in crowded places, keep your belongings secure in a money belt or anti-theft bag, and be wary of strangers who approach you suddenly or invade your personal space.
ATM skimming
How it works: Fraudsters attach skimming devices to ATMs to steal card information and PIN numbers. These devices are often hard to detect and can lead to significant financial loss if your card details are compromised. Often, the actual financial fraud may occur weeks or months after your holiday, as fraudsters may wait until travellers are back home to their normal routines and therefore less concerned about the risk of financial scams from abroad.
How to avoid it: Where you do need to withdraw cash, use ATMs located inside reputable international banks. Inspect the ATM for any unusual attachments before inserting your card, cover the keypad when entering your PIN, and regularly monitor your bank statements and mobile banking applications to quickly spot and report unauthorised transactions, even after your trip.
Counterfeit tickets
How it works: Scammers sell counterfeit tickets to popular attractions or events, from heritage sites to dance and theatre performances. These fake tickets are often indistinguishable from the real ones until you try to use them and are denied entry.
How to avoid it: Purchase tickets directly from official websites, authorised resellers, or at the venue itself. Avoid buying tickets from street vendors or unofficial online sources, even if the price seems attractive.
Bogus tour guides
How it works: Fake tour guides, often found near popular attractions, offer their services to unsuspecting tourists. These guides may not be authorised or may not have the required tour guide licences or certifications. They might provide inaccurate information, lead travellers to disreputable establishments where they are forced to spend more money, not take travellers to the destinations promised, or suddenly demand extra fees not previously disclosed mid-tour or at the end of the tour.
How to avoid it: Book tours through reputable agencies or online platforms with verified reviews, or directly from the tourist attraction where the tour is due to take place. If approached by a guide on the street, ask for credentials and compare prices with official tour operators.
Fraudulent customer service accounts
How it works: Another increasingly popular travel scam involves criminals creating fake social media accounts to imitate genuine and well-known travel organisations, claiming to be a customer service representative trying to help with refunds or other issues.
This is particularly popular on X, formerly Twitter, where customers publicly message airlines or travel companies for help, and then are contacted by a fraudulent account aiming to collect financial and personal information. Alternatively, after a holiday, customers may receive fraudulent emails from e-mail addresses purporting to be an airline or travel agency, containing links inviting them to claim a refund or advising them that they are eligible for compensation.
How to avoid it: Do not reply to communications asking you to send a direct message containing personal details. Also check the activity of any customer service accounts and how many followers they have. A company’s website will usually have a link to their legitimate social media accounts, which are likely to have many followers, a verification badge, and lots of previous activity. Legitimate customer service accounts on social media will also usually direct customers to a helpline number or customer service webpage.
If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. If you live in Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.