Brits are being urged to stay alert for holiday scammers
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Nowadays the journey of planning a vacation often starts on the internet. However, each year, travellers run the risk of falling prey to online frauds.
Scammers, using increasingly sophisticated methods, zero in on the times when bargain hunters are most active, syphoning off millions from unsuspecting travellers in search of good deals.
Industry specialists at ToraGuard have encountered a broad spectrum of scams targeting eager holidaymakers. In response, they’ve compiled essential advice to arm travellers with the knowledge needed to navigate the web safely while planning their next getaway.
Check the website’s URL
When booking a holiday through a website it is important to check the URL to make sure that it is authentic. Look out for “https://” instead of just “http://”, which shows it’s secure, says Ben Van Pelt, a cybersecurity specialist at TorGuard
“If someone sends you a link, make sure it’s not shortened, as that can hide where it’s really taking you, a common trick that scammers use”
“A shortened link is a strong indication that you might be dealing with scammers and avoiding them is the best choice”, states the expert.
“In addition, keep an eye out for the locked padlock or the unbroken key symbol in your browser, as they signal a safe connection. “
Take time to carefully review the details
Beware of scammers who might rush you into making a booking. Take your time to carefully read through the profiles of hosts and their listings.
“Make sure to also look at the reviews and ratings previous guests have left before you commit to booking a place to stay.”
“And don’t just rely on one review – do a thorough online search to make sure the company is credible, especially when using third party websites”
Also, always check check if the property exists.Try using Google Street View to check out the property and area” concludes the expert.
If it’s too good to be true, it probably is
“It is important to be cautious towards holiday deals offering much cheaper flights or big rent discounts in peak season. This is also a tactic used by fraudsters to trick people into giving their money and information.”
Don’t pay with bank transfer
When booking your summer holiday online, it’s safer to use your credit or debit card instead of services like MoneyWise, MoneyGram, or Western Union. These can be hard to trace and you might not get your money back if something goes wrong.
“The best way to pay for a holiday booking online is through your credit card as you have the ability to dispute charges if something goes wrong.” the expert suggested.
It is also best to use the booking website’s own payment system, for added security. “If the website encourages you to leave a recognised selling platform to complete the purchase, that is a sign of a scam.“ the expert added.
Conceal your details
Be careful not to give away too much personal information while booking your holiday. Legitimate businesses won’t ask for unnecessary things like passport scans or driver’s license unless there’s a clear and valid reason.
“Fraudsters don’t only want your money, they want your personal information too.” says the expert, “Information more than your name and your booking preferences should not be given.“ Van Pelt added.
Stay safe by only sharing what’s necessary and always double-check requests for personal details.
Don’t click links
Be cautious about clicking on suspicious links from emails, texts, social media posts, or online giveaways. These links can lead to malicious websites or downloads that may harm your device or steal your personal information.
“To stay safe, only click on links from trusted sources and avoid interacting with unexpected messages, offers, or giveaways.” the expert concluded.
