The online crooks preying on your dream of a holiday
FOLLOWING the easing of travel restrictions, thousands of holidaymakers have wasted no time in booking a summer break. But people are being urged to be vigilant as criminals look to exploit their eagerness to get away.
Jesús Sanchez-Aguilera Garcia, of cybersecurity firm McAfee, says: ‘With the travel industry getting back into motion, online criminals are ready to prey on victims. Fraudsters are fully aware of holidaymakers’ desire for a great deal and will use it to their advantage.’
He adds: ‘It’s vital when booking your holiday to remain alert to the common tactics used by online criminals, despite the excitement.’
Above all, be wary of emails and adverts linked to websites promising bargain breaks. Figures from McAfee show almost a third of holiday bookings occur through such email promotions and pop-up adverts, and more than a quarter of people do not check the authenticity of a website before booking.
Scam websites may look like those of genuine travel companies, with images of luxury villas to lure people in, but their aim is to install malware, steal personal information and capture passwords.
Subtle differences in the website address page (URL) can indicate an offer is fraudulent. And any request to pay by bank transfer instead of recommended secure payment options should set off alarm bells.
Paul Davis, retail fraud director at Lloyds Bank, says: ‘When looking for a holiday online, make sure you book with a trusted company which is Abta or Atol protected. The Abta website helps ensure you are booking through genuine companies and trusted websites.’
John Paul Donnelly, founder of 5 Star Villa Holidays, says: ‘To check you are using a reputable provider, search for mentions of the company online, phone the company before you book, look at its social media pages to ensure it is an active company and read guest feedback.’
Cybercriminals are not only targeting those heading overseas. With many holidaymakers booking staycations this year, banking industry body UK Finance warns that fraudsters are advertising fake listings for caravans or motorhomes on auction sites. Prices are attractive, but buyers are often told they cannot view the vehicles due to lockdown restrictions. In reality, the vehicles do not exist.
Katy Worobec, managing director of economic crime at UK Finance, says: ‘Ensure you do your research before making a purchase – read reviews of the website or person you’re buying from and ask to see vehicles over a video call if you’re unable to see them first-hand.’
Even those not booking a holiday need to be cautious. Anyone awaiting a refund from a cancelled holiday should be wary of emails, calls or social media posts claiming to offer money back from airlines, travel providers or banks. Often these promise an instant refund if holidaymakers reveal bank details or pay an upfront ‘handling’ fee.
Those looking for travel cover are urged to keep an eye out for fake travel insurance websites that offer Covid-19 cover when many genuine policies no longer do.
Tom Bourlet, at travel firm The Stag Company, says: ‘Check the terms and conditions page, the ‘about us’ page and blog section. Most scam insurance websites are built as quickly as possible and have plenty of spelling mistakes and a lack of content.’