What is a travel scam?
A travel scam is a fraud where criminals trick people into paying for holidays, flights, accommodation, visas, or travel services that do not exist or are not as advertised.
In the UK, travel scams commonly include:
- Fake holiday deals – Fraudsters advertise luxury holidays at unusually low prices.
- Fake accommodation listings – Non-existent hotels, apartments, or holiday rentals are offered for payment.
- Bogus travel agencies – Criminals pose as legitimate travel companies and take payments without providing bookings.
- Fake airline tickets – Victims pay for flights that are never booked.
- Visa and travel document scams – Fraudsters charge excessive fees or provide fake travel documents.
Warning signs
- Prices that seem too good to be true.
- Pressure to pay quickly.
- Requests for bank transfers or cryptocurrency payments.
- Companies with no verifiable contact details or customer reviews.
- Unsolicited travel offers received by email, text, or social media.
How to protect yourself in the UK
- Book through reputable travel companies.
- Check whether a company is a member of ABTA or protected by ATOL when applicable.
- Pay by credit card where possible for additional consumer protection.
- Research the company and read independent reviews before paying.
- Be cautious of deals that require immediate payment.
If you become a victim of a travel scam in the UK, you can report it to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.
Last Update:
June 9, 2026
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