Scammers are cashing in on our summer travel plans. As excitement builds and people rush to book their dream getaways, fraudsters see an opportunity – and they’re getting smarter.
New research shows that May is now the peak month for holiday scams, with British holidaymakers losing over £42.2 million to fake trips, flights and accommodation in the past year alone. The average victim lost £903, with people in their 30s the most likely to be caught out.
“Everyone’s looking for a bargain break, and that makes us more likely to rush into things without checking the details properly,” warns Siobhan Blagbrough, Financial Crime Manager at Ocean Finance.
“Scammers take advantage of the seasonal demand by posting fake listings, posing as landlords or travel agents, and demanding upfront payments for holidays that don’t exist.”
With scams ramping up during peak planning months like May and June, it’s more important than ever to know what to look out for – and how to protect your money.
Holiday scams come in all shapes and sizes – but some tricks are more common than others. Here's what to watch for:
Some scammers create lookalike versions of trusted booking sites, complete with logos, deals and even fake customer reviews. These clone sites are designed to steal your payment details or personal information.
Red flags to watch for:
🚩 Poor spelling or grammar
🚩 Strange or misspelled website addresses
🚩 No contact details or refund policy
🚩 Pressuring language like “Only 1 room left!”
Social media is a hotbed for scam holiday rentals. Fraudsters post stunning photos of villas or cottages that don’t exist, often offering prices that seem too good to be true.
Top tips:
💡Be cautious of listings on Facebook or Instagram
💡 Reverse image search photos to see if they appear elsewhere
💡 Avoid sending money directly to “landlords” – book via secure platforms
Even big names like On The Beach are being spoofed by scammers. Fraudsters may contact you by phone, email or message posing as a legitimate travel agent, offering exclusive deals.
Always double-check:
Knowing how scammers operate is the first step – but taking a few simple precautions can help keep your money and holiday plans safe.
Stick to well-known platforms with clear refund policies and customer service support.
✅ Look for “https” in the web address
✅ Read independent reviews
✅ Check if the company is ATOL or ABTA protected
If a website is unfamiliar or the deal seems unusually cheap, it’s worth taking a moment to check it out.
Paying by credit card is one of the safest ways to book your holiday. It offers extra protection under Section 75, which means you could get your money back if something goes wrong.
Yes – Booking.com is a legitimate platform used by millions. But like all large platforms, scammers may use it to list fake properties or contact users privately.
How to stay safe on Booking.com:
If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a holiday scam, act fast.
Contact your bank immediately – they may be able to stop the payment.
Report the scam to:
Keep any evidence such as emails, screenshots, and receipts.
You may be able to recover your money if you paid by credit card or PayPal. Even if not, reporting the scam can help prevent others from being caught out.
✅ Stick to trusted travel brands and secure payment methods
✅ Take your time – don’t rush into deals
✅ Verify listings and always double-check the details
✅ Don’t be pressured into paying outside the platform
✅ Look for ATOL or ABTA protection
Booking a holiday should be exciting – not stressful. By staying alert to scams, you can avoid nasty surprises and enjoy your getaway with peace of mind.
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure content is correct when published. Information on this website doesn't constitute financial advice, and we aren't responsible for the content of any external sites.
Fiona is a personal finance writer with over 7 years’ experience writing for a broad range of industries before joining Ocean in 2021. She uses her wealth of experience to turn the overwhelming aspects of finance into articles that are easy to understand.
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