Stark warning over fake claims

UK holidaymakers visiting Portugal have been warned they face prosecution if they lodge bogus food poisoning claims against hotels.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) updated its travel advice to urge visitors to only pursue genuine complaints and states fake cases could lead to legal action in the UK or Portugal.

Travel trade organisation Abta said there has been a dramatic rise in the number of gastric illness claims made since 2013, despite sickness levels reported in resorts remaining stable.

It blames unscrupulous claims management touts for encouraging holidaymakers on all-inclusive packages to submit dishonest or exaggerated ones.

Hoteliers in Mallorca said £42 million in fake claims were made in the first nine months of last year.