Action Fraud figures show there were more than 6,400 reports of holiday fraud in 2022/23, with £15 million lost to scammers.
Victims experienced a substantial average loss of £2,400, plus the misery of being cruelly tricked and in many cases having their plans ruined.
Read on to learn about the scams you'll need to be on your guard against this summer.
1. Booking scams
undefined2. Dodgy 'customer service' Twitter accounts
People tweeting about holiday issues such as lost luggage are being responded to by bogus accounts.
undefined3. Bracelet scams
Wizz Air is warning of a scam dogging markets and beaches in tourism hotspots.
Scammers approach unwary tourists and tie friendship bracelets on their wrists in such a way that they can only be removed by cutting them off.
The victim is then pressured to pay for the unwanted item, or in some cases is pickpocketed during the encounter.
Never let anyone give you anything in the street or put jewellery on you.
4. ATM skimming
5. Overcharging taxis
This con sees the driver pull up at your destination, only to claim the meter is broken and demand an exorbitant sum from you.
Another variation sees the meter being rigged to go up unnaturally fast.
Ask your hotel, tour guide or a trusted local for a rough idea of how much journeys should cost before setting off.
Your hotel may also be able to book taxis on your behalf.
source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/5-holiday-scams-you-need-to-be-aware-of-this-summer-aOlCa7n65Bci