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Holiday Scams Surge on Social Media: Beware Fake Deals
29 Jun
Summary
- A third of holidaymakers report increased social media travel scams.
- Many travelers are wary of promotional emails due to scam concerns.
- Half of consumers prefer booking with businesses that protect against fraud.
Over the past year, 34% of holidaymakers have noticed an increase in potential travel scams advertised on social media platforms. This trend has made 70% of people wary of promotional emails related to holidays, fearing fraudulent content. Consequently, half of consumers indicated a preference for booking holidays through online or high street travel businesses that explicitly detail how they safeguard customers against fraud.
Research commissioned by emerchantpay found that 40% of holidaymakers alter their behavior while on vacation due to financial safety concerns. Scammers often advertise fake holiday accommodations or flights and may even offer non-existent tours. These criminals may replicate images from legitimate websites and request bank transfers. Experts advise researching destinations, checking independent reviews, verifying website links, and considering membership in organizations like Abta. For package deals involving flights, checking Atol protection is also recommended.
