North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner launches holiday fraud warning ahead of summer booking season
North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin has launched a campaign warning residents about holiday booking fraud as the summer booking season gets under way.
The PCC has partnered with Get Safe Online, a service commissioned by his office and North Wales Police, to publish practical safety advice for people booking trips online this spring.
Tony Neate, chief executive of Get Safe Online, said: “Fraudsters love the internet just as much as you do.
“They set up fake websites, listings, emails, ads, social media posts and texts and even make phone calls, all designed to trick you into paying for a holiday, flight or other trip that simply doesn’t exist.
“Make sure you book holidays and travel safely this spring and follow our expert advice.”
The advice covers ten areas.
Checking accommodation on Google Maps and reading independent reviews before paying is among the recommendations, along with calling the owner or agent directly to confirm they are authorised to sell the holiday.
Paying by credit card rather than bank transfer is strongly recommended. If a booking turns out to be a scam and payment was made by bank transfer, the chances of recovering the money are significantly lower.
People using Airbnb are advised to keep all communication and payments within the platform. Attempts to move contact or payment off-platform are listed as a warning sign.
Travel agents and tour operators should be checked against the ABTA and ATOL registers before payment is made.
Before entering payment details, Get Safe Online advises typing the website address directly into a browser rather than following a link, and checking the payment page address begins with “https” and shows a padlock symbol.
Anyone who loses money to a holiday scam should contact their bank immediately, then report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at reportfraud.police.uk.
PCC Andy Dunbobbin said: “This campaign during April highlights how important it is for people across North Wales to feel confident and safe when booking their holidays online.
“By working closely with the Police’s Economic Crime team and Get Safe Online, we want to ensure residents have clear, practical advice that helps protect them from fraud and prevents criminals from taking advantage of those looking forward to a well-earned break.”
Full advice is available at getsafeonline.org under “Protecting Yourself” then “Holiday and Travel Booking.”
Check live fuel prices near you before you set off.
Spotted something? Got a story? Email news (@) deeside.com
NEW: Add Deeside.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Latest News
