As summer comes to an end, lots of us are thinking of booking a last-minute holiday deal, whether it’s for late summer, autumn half term or...dare we say it in August...Christmas! Scammers often try to take advantage of this and catch people out with fake offers and deals. Let’s take a look at how we can combat scams.

The summer holidays are almost over, the days are getting increasingly shorter, the summer has been a damp squib and - although the cost of living crisis shows no signs of easing - you’re desperate to find a cheap, last-minute holiday deal or something to look forward to.

But before you begin your search, there are some things you should know, and signs to look out for, because holiday fraud and ruthless scammers are out there to turn your dream holiday into a nightmare!

Here are some simple but important steps you can take to avoid holiday fraud.

Look out for fake deals on accommodation and travel

Scammers create realistic travel websites and listings with fake holiday offers. They may contact you directly by email, text or phone call. They’ll try and trick you into:

• Paying for accommodation that doesn’t exist or is already full
• Buying fake travel tickets
• Entering your details on a fraudulent website.

Be vigilant when paying for your holiday and only use the payment options shown on the company’s official website. Always book with a company you’ve researched and never open links in unexpected emails and texts. If something looks too good to be true, it usually is.

Watch out for ticket scams

Scammers can make websites that mimic real ones and sell fake tickets at seemingly bargain prices. It can be tempting, especially if the ones you want are very expensive or have sold out.

You could pay and - either don’t get a ticket - or you get a fake one that will be refused when you try to use it at the event.

Always do your research and check a provider is genuine before buying. Check the URL of a website for special characters, numbers or foreign characters in place of letters. Some scams really are clever in how they can mimic a website simply by using a different character in the URL, which is sometimes very hard to notice.

Don’t be tempted by quick cash

Be wary if someone offers to pay you to help them move money. If money goes in and out of your account from illegal activity, you’re a ‘money mule’ and that’s a crime. Never help anyone move money or give them access to your account.

Protect your tech

Criminals sneak malicious software, or ‘malware’, onto your devices to steal information like passwords and payment details. They hide it in emails and apps so you don’t realise you’re downloading it.

To avoid getting malware:

• Only get apps from the official app store for your device
• Don’t open links in unexpected emails and texts
• Keep your device’s software up to date, so you always have the latest security features.

For further reading on holiday fraud, check out our other blogs.

Reporting

Report all Fraud and Cybercrime to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or online. Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. Report SMS scams by forwarding the original message to 7726 (spells SPAM on the keypad).