HOLIDAY FRAUD

The Fraud & Scam Bulletin JUNE 2026 Your monthly update direct from West Mercia Police on the latest scams and frauds

HOLIDAY FRAUD

Whilst people increasingly use the Internet as a marketplace to book their holidays, at the same time fraudsters and criminals are also ready to jump in and exploit this marketplace with fraudulent offers and deals These offers are many and various, and range from fake caravan or motorhome listings, to the “too good to be true” offers for holidays, villa rentals and holiday lets. Criminals use a variety of methods to trick the public into handing over their money and personal information. ALWAYS REMEMBER

• Be suspicious of any “too good to be true” offers or prices – if it’s at a rock bottom price ask yourself why

• Do your research before making any purchases by reading reviews of the site or person you’re purchasing from. Before booking accommodation ask what checks the agent makes on both the landlord and advertised property.

• Verify that the address exists through web searches and online maps. Use Google images to check where else an image has been used, as it may have been copied from a genuine website.

• Where possible, book directly with an established hotel, or through a reputable travel company/agent that is a member of a trade body such as ABTA, ABTOT or ATOL

• If you do decide to book independently, establish if you’re dealing with the property owner, a letting agent or via the local tourist information desk.

• Ensure you read the terms and conditions before making any bookings to confirm exactly what you’re being sold. Double-check both your travel and accommodation information, particularly if there is a long gap between making the booking and arrival.

• Always use the secure payment options recommended by reputable online travel providers

• Where possible, use a credit card when making purchases over £100 and up to £30,000 as you receive protection under Section 75 rules

• Always access the website you are purchasing from by typing it into your web browser, and be wary of clicking on links in unsolicited emails. The website should use the padlock symbol to indicate that the site is secure.

• You can check if a website is genuine or not by typing it into www.getsafeonline.org/checkawebsite

• Never click on links or attachments in social media posts or emails.

• Question uninvited approaches and also contact organisations directly to confirm requests using a known email or phone number.

• You may be offered the chance to go on a free holiday in return for watching a presentation; this may be a Holiday Club Fraud

• Only give out your personal or financial information to services you have consented to and are expecting to be contacted by

Please feel free to share these messages with any vulnerable friends, relatives or neighbours If you have fallen for a fraud,

Report it to Report Fraud (formerly known as ACTION FRAUD) on 0300 123 2040 or via reportfraud.police.uk Scam Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take prompt action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks.

You can also report Scam mobile calls by texting 7726 with the word “Call” followed by the fraudulent caller’s phone number.

Forward Fake Emails received to report@phishing.gov.uk

If you think your bank account or personal banking details have been used fraudulently, then use the short phone number - 159 - to contact the Fraud Prevention Department of most major UK banks.