Travelers are cautioned to be on the alert for scammers promoting fake travel offers and taking advantage of passport delays.
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) cautioned that scammers were employing progressively sophisticated and persuasive techniques to trick prospective travelers into paying for non-existent holidays and services.
These encompassed “completely concocted” social media advertisements showcasing appealing images of vacation cottages and hotels, accompanied by prices deemed “too good to be true.”
Upon realizing that the images and prices were deceptive, holidaymakers discovered that scammers had already absconded with their money, as cautioned by the CTSI.
Often, scammers instructed their targets to make payments using cash, bank transfers, or services like Western Union, making it challenging to trace and non-refundable.
Frequently, victims only recognized they had fallen for a scam when they reached the airport to find no trace of their flight reservation or arrived at a hotel with no record of their booking.
Exploiting the turmoil caused by labor strikes at the UK Passport Office, scammers were capitalizing on the situation by providing deceptive ‘fast-track’ services.
The CTSI reported encountering several texts and emails promoting swift passport renewals, cautioning that individuals might not only lose money but also fall victim to fraudsters gaining access to their personal data.
CTSI lead officer Katherine Hart advises, “Amid travel preparations, beware of enticing social media ads featuring picturesque accommodations at unbelievable prices. These deceptive ads aim to swindle money, leaving travelers disappointed.
Conduct thorough research, shop with reputable companies, and ensure clarity before making any payments.”CTSI chief executive John Herriman warns of scammers exploiting uncertainties, such as Passport Office strikes.
He emphasizes the importance of vigilance, stating, “Scammers prey on vulnerability, but we can fight back by staying alert, following guidelines, and raising awareness about the harm caused by these scams.”
To safeguard against scams, the CTSI recommends checking the website’s URL and security, consulting independent reviews, contacting holiday cottage owners, and using secure payment methods like credit cards, debit cards, or PayPal’s buyer protection service.