Filenews 6 June 2023
Holiday fraud is a very lucrative business for fraudsters, especially during the summer holidays and Christmas holidays, police said in a statement, warning against holiday fraud.
The search for the ideal vacation place often does not involve any risk and our reservations do not involve any risk. However, according to the Police, if we make our booking online, we may be at risk of possible fraud.
Therefore, the Police lists and explains the risks so that citizens can protect their finances and expectations:
IF...
... You discover at the airport that your name is not on the passenger list for the expected flight.
... Once you arrive at your destination, the hotel does not have a reservation in your name for accommodation.
... The holiday home you booked does not exist or the owner is not aware of your reservation.
... The car rental company does not have a reservation in your name or your request was rejected due to fraudulent purchase.
... The "travel agent" (scammer) completely cuts off contact after paying and does not confirm any of your bookings...
THEN
you are a victim of online holiday fraud. Keep all evidence and report it immediately to the Police.
What is holiday scam?
Vacation scam happens when you pay for services offered online, such as: buying tickets (plane, train, boat, etc.), booking a hotel or other accommodation, renting a car, full vacation packages, and finding out later that the service you purchased does not exist or that it has been paid for with a compromised card of another victim, making your purchase invalid.
Often scammers just want your money. However, in many cases, your deception is just part of a larger plan. For example, scammers may use stolen credit card information to buy legitimate travel services, which they then offer you at a lower price.
What are the warning signs?
You are contacted by a travel agent or company you've never spoken to before and offers you a vacation at a very low price:
Scammers use fake online ads, fake sales calls, emails, text messages, or other messages, offering incredibly cheap prices to entice you to book a vacation or buy a service. If the price is too good to be true, it probably isn't.
The website looks suspicious:
– There are only a few details and photos of the property or hotel.
– Online reviews are not favorable or do not exist at all.
You are asked to pay in cash, via bank transfer, such as with MoneyWise or Western Union, or even in virtual currencies such as Bitcoins.
These payment methods are difficult to trace and non-refundable (remember: criminals need to make money from other victims' stolen card details, and you could be part of this plan).
They urge you to pay quickly:
The scammer warns you that the property will be ceded to someone else or that the deal will take effect if you don't commit right away. Scammers can also claim that there is a certain discount if you make an instant payment.
How to protect yourself
Scammers use fake online ads, fake sales calls, emails, text messages, or other messages, offering incredibly cheap prices to entice you to book a vacation or buy a service. If the price is too good to be true, it probably isn't.
Don't respond to spam emails, text messages, instant messages, social media, or calls with holiday offers.
Links and attachments in emails may lead to malicious websites or viruses downloading to your device.
Book a holiday directly with an airline or hotel or through a reputable tour operator.
Do a thorough search online to make sure the company is legitimate.
– Look for the IATA logo on the company's website.
– Check that the website uses a secure payment system and the secure communication protocol (https) for the booking process.
– Check reviews. People may have posted their experiences warning others.
– Pay close attention to the name of the site. Small changes to your name or email address may lead you to a completely different company.
– Check that the website offers full contact information. Landline number, postal address and any other information that will make it easier for you to contact them in case something goes wrong.
– Check that the website offers Terms and Conditions, refund policy and privacy policy. Make sure they have your consent before sharing any of your data with a third party.
Be careful when buying airline tickets from websites that sell other services, such as cars and vacation homes.
You can check if the flight exists by checking on the airline's website.
If you are dealing directly with the property owner or a private agent, then you should be vigilant!
– Ask for additional photos and ask them questions about the reservation, room, WI-FI connection, location and area.
– Do not book websites that do not have a padlock icon (https) in the address bar.
– Be especially careful if you are asked to pay by bank transfer or cash. Always pay by credit card to protect your purchase, or use a secure payment site like PayPal.
After purchase,
– check that you have received the necessary e-tickets or booking documents.
– Check your personal details, dates, hotel details and flight numbers and times.
– Try to confirm directly with the airline, car rental or hotel that the booking has been completed.
