Travel fraud victims losing £1,500 each

THE amount of cash lost by holidaymakers in booking scams has rocketed by 25 per cent in the past year.

Victims lost on average nearly £1,500 each in 2017, compared to £1,200 in 2016.

City Of London Police data reveals that some 4,700 cases were reported last year with the total lost £6.7million.

Mark Tanzer, chief executive of travel trade organisation Abta, said travel fraudsters left many customers devastated. He said: “The cost to them is not just financial. This crime causes very real disappointment and emotional distress.”

Almost half of all victims said frauds had a huge impact on their health or finances, with 575 saying they had needed medical treatment or were left at risk of bankruptcy.

The most common scams involved airline tickets and accommodation bookings. Sporting and religious trips were also popular targets.

Fraudsters have been setting up bogus websites and posting fake adverts online.

Tony Neate, of Get Safe Online, said: “It can be quite tempting to get lured in by the offer of a cut-price flight or a deal on accommodation.

“Small steps can stop you getting caught, such as researching the company you are booking through. And where possible, pay by credit card to get extra protection.”