Fraudsters target travellers with 'staycation' holiday scams
New wave of scams on the rise as holiday habits change
26th June 2020 10:33
by Brean Horne from interactive investor
New wave of scams on the rise as holiday habits change
British holidaymakers are being targeted by criminals in a new wave of coronavirus scams, according to UK Finance.
Fraudsters are taking advantage of growing demand for so-called 'staycations' in the UK this summer by advertising fake caravan and motorhome listings.
Some have also set up fake websites offering cheap travel deals which are used to obtain victims’ money and information.
Criminals are also posing as trusted organisations such as airlines, travel agencies or banks, offering non-existent refunds for holiday cancellations.
Victims are being contacted using a range of methods including emails, telephone calls, fake websites and posts on social media and auction websites.
Katy Worobec, managing director of economic crime at UK Finance, says: “Criminals will exploit the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on people’s holiday plans to commit fraud, whether its advertising fake listings for caravans or pretending to offer refunds for cancelled flights.
“It is important that auction websites and social platforms take swift action to remove fraudulent posts and listings being used to promote holiday scams.”
How to avoid scams
Criminals often try to exploit fears or capitalise on people’s aspirations. It is important to stay vigilant to ensure that you do not lose money to fraud.
The following steps could help you avoid being caught out by a scam.
Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
Challenge: Could it be fake? It is fine to reject, refuse, or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
Protect: Contact your bank immediately if you think you have fallen for a scam, and report it to Action Fraud.
This article was originally published in our sister magazine Moneywise, which ceased publication in August 2020.
These articles are provided for information purposes only. Occasionally, an opinion about whether to buy or sell a specific investment may be provided by third parties. The content is not intended to be a personal recommendation to buy or sell any financial instrument or product, or to adopt any investment strategy as it is not provided based on an assessment of your investing knowledge and experience, your financial situation or your investment objectives. The value of your investments, and the income derived from them, may go down as well as up. You may not get back all the money that you invest. The investments referred to in this article may not be suitable for all investors, and if in doubt, an investor should seek advice from a qualified investment adviser.
Full performance can be found on the company or index summary page on the interactive investor website. Simply click on the company's or index name highlighted in the article.