Online holiday scams are becoming more common and sophisticated, especially during peak travel seasons. Fraudsters use fake websites, emails, phone calls, and social media posts to lure unsuspecting travellers into paying for non-existent or substandard services. Norton’s 2022 survey paints a concerning picture: 34% of U.S. and 32% of global consumers admit to upping their online shopping risk factor as the holidays draw near.
One of the most recent and notorious examples of online holiday scams was the hack of Bookings.com, one of the world’s largest online travel platforms. Hackers managed to access the personal and financial information of millions of customers and used it to send phishing emails and make fraudulent transactions. Many customers reported losing thousands of pounds or having their accounts compromised.
How can you avoid falling victim to online holiday scams and enjoy a safe and secure holiday? Here are 10 tips from experts on how to spot and avoid online holiday fraudsters and their tricks.
1. Do your research
Before you book any holiday service online, do some research on the provider. Check their website for contact details, terms and conditions, cancellation policy, and customer reviews. Look for signs of legitimacy, such as a secure website (https), a verified logo, a physical address, and a landline phone number. You can also use online tools such as Trustpilot, TripAdvisor, or Google Reviews to see what other customers have to say about their experience.
2. Consult a professional travel agency
One of the best ways to avoid online holiday scams is to consult a professional travel agency. A professional travel agency can help you plan, book, and manage your holiday, and offer you advice, support, and protection. They will have the expertise, experience, and accreditation to provide you with quality and reliable services, and access to exclusive deals and discounts. A professional travel company will also have a clear and transparent contract, cancellation policy, and complaint procedure, and will be able to assist you in case of any problems or emergencies.
3. Compare prices and offers
If a holiday deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Fraudsters often use low prices, limited-time offers, or fake discounts to entice travellers to book quickly without checking the details. Compare prices and offers from different providers and websites, and look for any hidden fees, taxes, or charges. Be wary of any requests for upfront payments, deposits, or transfers, especially if they are in cash or via untraceable methods such as wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrencies.
4. Verify the authenticity of the website
Fake travel websites are one of the most common ways that fraudsters trick travellers into paying for non-existent or substandard services. Fake websites may look identical to the real ones, or use similar domain names, logos, or layouts. To verify the authenticity of the website, check the URL for spelling errors, typos, or unusual extensions. You can also use online tools such as Whois or DomainTools to see who owns the domain name when it was registered, and where it is hosted.
5. Beware of phishing emails and phone calls
Phishing emails and phone calls are another common way that fraudsters try to steal your personal and financial information or trick you into paying for fake services. Phishing emails and phone calls may claim to be from a reputable travel company, such as Bookings.com, and ask you to confirm your booking, update your payment details, or claim a refund. They may also contain links or attachments that lead to malicious websites or software. To avoid phishing emails and phone calls, never click on links or open attachments from unknown or suspicious sources, and never give out your personal or financial information over the phone or email. If you receive an email or phone call from a travel company that you have booked with, verify their identity by contacting them directly using the official website or phone number.
6. Check the security of the payment page
When you are ready to make a payment for your holiday service online, make sure that the payment page is secure and encrypted. A secure payment page will have a padlock icon and an https prefix in the URL, indicating that your information is protected. You can also check the security certificate of the website by clicking on the padlock icon and viewing the details. Avoid making payments on public or shared computers or networks, and use a credit card or a reputable payment service such as PayPal, which offers more protection and recourse in case of fraud.
7. Keep a record of your booking and payment
After you make a booking and payment online, keep a record of your confirmation email, receipt, invoice, and any other correspondence with the provider. You may also want to take screenshots of the website and the payment page as evidence. These records will help you in case you need to dispute a charge, claim a refund, or report fraud.
8. Review your bank statements and credit reports
It is important to review your bank statements and credit reports regularly, especially after you make a booking and payment online. Look for any unauthorized or suspicious transactions, such as double charges, refunds, or withdrawals. If you notice any fraudulent activity, contact your bank or credit card company immediately and report it. You may also want to freeze or cancel your card, change your passwords, and alert the relevant authorities.
9. Be vigilant and cautious
Online holiday scams are constantly evolving and adapting to new technologies and trends. Therefore, it is important to be vigilant and cautious when booking and paying for your holiday online. Always use your common sense and intuition, and do not let your emotions or impulses cloud your judgment. If you have any doubts or questions, do not hesitate to ask for more information, clarification, or verification. If something feels wrong or off, do not proceed with the booking or payment, and report it to the relevant authorities.
10. Know your rights and options
If you fall victim to an online holiday scam, do not panic or blame yourself. You are not alone, and there are ways to recover your money and protect yourself. Know your rights and options, and take action as soon as possible. Contact your bank or credit card company and request a chargeback or a refund. Contact the travel provider and demand a cancellation or compensation. Contact the relevant authorities and report the fraud. Contact a consumer protection organization or a legal advisor and seek advice and assistance.
Conclusion
Online holiday scams are becoming more common and sophisticated, especially during peak travel seasons. Fraudsters use fake websites, emails, phone calls, and social media posts to lure unsuspecting travellers into paying for non-existent or substandard services.
However, by following these 10 tips from experts on how to spot and avoid online holiday fraudsters and their tricks, you can enjoy a safe and secure holiday. Remember to do your research, compare prices and offers, verify the authenticity of the website, beware of phishing emails and phone calls, check the security of the payment page, keep a record of your booking and payment, review your bank statements and credit reports, consult a professional travel agency, be vigilant and cautious, and know your rights and options.
Happy travels!
