As the January peak holiday booking season approaches, consumers are warned about the increased risk of scams.
- Criminals often place fake ads on holiday websites, pretending to be legitimate booking agents.
- Many people remain unsure about verifying the legitimacy of travel agents, increasing vulnerability.
- Impulse bookings without thorough checks can leave holidaymakers exposed to scams.
- Social media platforms are popular for holiday searches but also pose significant scam risks.
During January, a prime time for booking holidays, consumers are cautioned against scams frequently occurring during this period. Criminals often exploit unsuspecting holidaymakers by placing fake advertisements on holiday websites or impersonating booking agents from legitimate companies. They typically attempt to move communication off reputable sites and encourage payments via bank transfer, directly to individuals rather than companies.
New research from Nationwide reveals that over half of consumers (58%) lack the knowledge to verify the legitimacy of travel agents, tour operators, or holiday bookings. This lack of awareness is compounded by the fact that nearly a third (32%) of individuals admit to rushing through the booking process to secure deals, subsequently increasing their susceptibility to scams.
The appeal of planning a holiday in January is a priority for 40% of people, as they seek to organise ahead or have something to anticipate after the festive season. Consequently, booking agents, travel agents, and airline websites remain the go-to sources, though there is a growing trend for turning to social media platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and Instagram.
Despite the popularity of these non-traditional platforms, the propensity to fall victim to scams is notably higher. Approximately one in ten individuals (9%) confess to booking holidays without extensive research, swayed by influencers on social media promoting destinations. Nationwide underscores that accommodation is the sector where people feel most at risk (34%), followed by trips, excursions (15%), travel (12%), vehicle hire (6%), and airport parking (6%).
Interestingly, 44% of people reportedly research deals further, especially when faced with ‘limited-time offers’. Many exercise caution by using credit cards for payments (40%), which offer more protection than debit cards (33%), and significantly more than cash (6%) or bank transfer (5%), the latter two methods being insecure.
Jim Winters, Nationwide’s economic crime director, emphasises, “January is primetime for booking holidays as we want something to look forward to – whether time in the sun or snow.” He advises, “If it looks too good to be true, it probably is – always do your research and seek support if doubtful.”
Vigilance and research are essential in safeguarding against holiday booking scams, particularly during peak season.
