Money: Summer scammers want to ruin your fun in the sun

DREAMING of the beach? Time to book a much-needed summer holiday?

While you’re searching for a sun-soaked getaway, it’s worth bearing in mind that 4,700 UK holidaygoers reported falling victim to travel-related fraud last year – with fraudsters stealing £6.7 million.

The average amount lost per person was more than £1,500, an increase of 25% year on year, according to Action Fraud.

The number of people reporting travel fraud tends to jump in the summer months and in December – peak holiday periods when people are searching for bargains.

Now Action Fraud have teamed up with the Association of British Travel Agents and Get Safe Online to highlight the dangers.

Pauline Smith, director of Action Fraud, said: “Holidays are the perfect chance to relax and unwind.

“However, as statistics show, they are also an opportunity for fraudsters to trick you out of your hard-earned money.

“The startling emotional impact of falling victim to holiday fraud is highlighted in the latest figures, as 575 people reported that the harm to them was so severe, they had to receive medical treatment or were at risk of bankruptcy.

“This is why we are raising awareness so that people feel better able to protect themselves from being a victim of fraud.

“We know that fraudsters are increasingly using more sophisticated ways to trick their victims, which is why it is important that you do your research when making travel arrangements.”

So what should people watch out for?

In 2017, the most common types of scams reported to Action Fraud involved holiday accommodation, with fraudsters setting up fake websites, hacking into legitimate accounts and posting fake adverts on websites and social media. Airline tickets were another target for scammers, with people believing they had booked a flight but ending up receiving a fake ticket or paying for a ticket that never turns up.

In 2017, flights to Africa and the Indian sub-continent were particularly targeted.

Sports events and religious trips are also a popular target for fraudsters. Action Fraud also heard from several people reporting being the victim of fraud relating to mobile home holidays.

So how can holidaymakers stay safe?

Top tips from those highlighting the dangers include checking a website address is legitimate and has not been altered by slight changes to a domain name – such as going from .co.uk to .org.

It’s also wise to do your research and not just rely on one review – do a thorough online search to check the company’s credentials. If a company is defrauding people, there is a good chance consumers will post details of their experiences, and warnings about the company.

You can also check whether the company is a member of a recognised trade body such as ABTA. If you have any doubts, you can verify membership at abta.com.

Also, be careful how you pay. A credit card will give you added protections, and be very wary about paying directly into someone’s bank account.

Study terms and conditions – and be wary of any companies that don’t provide any at all.

Tony Neate of Get Safe Online said: “Holidays and trips abroad are one of the biggest purchases we’ll make each year so keep an eye out for tell-tale signs something isn’t quite as it seems.

“It can be quite tempting to get lured in by the offer of a cut-price flight or a deal on accommodation when you are caught up in the excitement of booking a holiday. Small steps can stop you getting caught out.”