Holiday scam tactics
Booked accommodation online with payment on arrival, but suddenly someone claiming to be from the hotel contacts you and changes the terms, asking for payment upfront? Before you pay anything, check your booking details and verify who you’re really talking to.
How to spot fake communication:
- A scammer may call you pretending to be from a travel agency, transport company, hotel, car rental or other travel-related service.
- They might message you via chat from a fake page that copies the design of a booking app, hotel or travel agency.
- They can also send an email with a slightly altered sender address, making it look like it came from a company you trust.
- Or they may use a combination of all these methods. Scammers aim to get as much from you as possible – and often work in organised groups.
How do they know so much about you?
Unfortunately, data leaks still happen. Fraudsters may know your phone number, full name, address and even your ID number. Skilled scammers can hack hotel systems and access your booking number. When they pose as hotel representatives or other travel services, they have enough details to make you believe them.
How to protect yourself:
- Always verify who you’re communicating with – for example, by calling the hotel back and checking your booking status.
- Never share your account login or passwords with anyone, and be careful when entering card details
- Know the terms of the services you book and insist on them. If anything seems suspicious, don’t send any money and double-check everything first.
