In 2023 Action Fraud received 6,640 reports relating to holiday fraud with data showing July and August as having the highest number of reports made, at 804 and 781 respectively.

Holidaymakers lost a combined total of £12.3 million, equating to an average loss of £1,851 per victim.

With the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, everyone is looking for the best deal and great prices. Fraudsters are using increasingly sophisticated methods to target consumers, with a particular focus on destinations and times of the year when demand is high, and availability is limited. Some victims only find out that they have been defrauded just before they travel or even when they arrive in a resort.

Follow Action Fraud’s top tips to help you stay safe when booking a holiday
  • Do your research: before committing and booking your holiday, make sure that you do a thorough online search to ensure the company is credible.
  • Pay safely: use a credit card when paying online if you have one. Most major credit card providers protect online purchases.
  • Look for the logo: make sure they’re a licensed company and check that they are properly accredited. Look for an ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence) or a membership of ABTA, The Travel Association.
  • Book with confidence: be sceptical of unrealistic holiday deals. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Exercise caution and research before making purchases.

For further tips from ATOL and ABTA, visit https://www.atol.org/about-atol/how-to-check-for-protection/ or https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/planning-and-booking-a-holiday/how-avoid-travel-related-fraud

Action Required

This alert provides information and advice about fraud and economic crime, and the risks associated with it. If you have been a victim of fraud you should contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or visit: Reporting fraud and cyber crime | Action Fraud

For further discussion and support, including fraud awareness training, contact: Melanie Alflatt, Director – Operations, Email: fraud@tiaa.co.uk