UK Consumer choice advocate Which? has published a list of six key methods by which fraudsters have been scamming travellers in recent years.
It warns that fraudsters are exploiting disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic and other geopolitical events, as well as confusion surrounding documentation to conduct scams on travellers.
“Criminals are exploiting the pandemic and the demand for holidays in a wide range of ways, laying new traps to trick unsuspecting travellers out of their money. Our advice for consumers is to be wary of unsolicited calls and messages, and be cautious about holiday deals from unfamiliar firms,” said Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel.
“If you think you’ve been the victim of a scam, you should report this to Action Fraud and your bank. Anyone who is struggling to get their money back from their bank should contact the Financial Ombudsman Service to review their case,” he added.
Fake Covid flight cancellation refunds
Travel disruption due to the coronavirus pandemic has been exploited by scammers cold-calling travellers and impersonating airlines, travel agents and banks, claiming that they need their bank details and personal information to process flight cancellation refund.
Many of the fraudsters have taken detailed steps to appear legitimate, such as spoofing real phone numbers and finding out exact booking details and sums owed to individuals beforehand.
Which? warns…
