SURGE IN HOLIDAY LETTINGS SCAMS
CRIMINALS are targeting legitimate lettings sites to fleece tourists out of millions of pounds.
Which? and the Association of British Travel Agents say the issue is growing as it is easy for fraudsters to pose as owners on websites that do not check credentials.
Crooks copy photos from real sites such as Airbnb and Owners Direct, then relist the properties. Many victims do not realise they have been conned until they try to confirm a booking or turn up at the accommodation to find it does not exist or is occupied.
Abta’s Sean Tipton said: “It’s easy. Some sites don’t do checks, which is why we’re seeing a rise.”
Last week a family from Singapore who thought they had booked a four-bed property near Newquay, Cornwall through Owners Direct contacted owner Helen Glanville. Helen, 55, of Hampton, south- west London, said: “We got a call from a guy almost weeping. He thought he’d booked a holiday and sent £3,300.”
In 2017, 5,826 cases of holiday booking fraud worth £7.2million were reported – up 20% on 2016. Each victim lost an average £1,200.
Which? posted eight profiles within minutes on Airbnb without needing ID proof. Since then the site has included a warning on its price section to always communicate through Airbnb.
Which? travel editor Rory Boland said: “Although some websites have put procedures in place, much more needs to be done.”
Airbnb said: “Fake or misrepresented listings have no place in our community and our team is working hard to constantly strengthen our defences.”