Holidaymakers warned as fraudsters 'ramp up' summer scams
Irish holidaymakers are being urged to be on high alert when it comes to booking their trips away this summer with last minute travel deals an easy way for scammers to catch people out.
It can be easy to get swept up in the madness of booking holidays and being won over by limited time offers at discounted prices, but many fraudsters use these tactics to target consumers.
Those booking holidays this summer are being warned to be vigilant when following websites, adverts and links online. Irish holidaymakers are being urged to be on high alert when it comes to booking their trips away this summer with last minute travel deals an easy way for scammers to catch people out. Pic: Getty Images
Head of Financial Crime at BPFI (Banking & Payments Federation Ireland) Niamh Davenport confirmed that fraudsters were 'ramping up activity' in order to take advantage of unsuspecting holidaymakers.
Ms Davenport is also the lead for the FraudSMART campaign, a fraud awareness initiative developed by BPFI in conjunction with AIB, Bank of Ireland, Permanent TSB, Ulster Bank, An Post Money and Barclays.
She said: 'Travel scams can be incredibly convincing and often appear on fake and copycat websites featuring logos and layouts that closely mimic well-known brands. Head of Financial Crime at BPFI (Banking & Payments Federation Ireland) Niamh Davenport confirmed that fraudsters were 'ramping up activity' in order to take advantage of unsuspecting holidaymakers. Pic: Shutterstock
'The scams are targeted at consumers through online adverts and social media posts, often imitating legitimate travel companies or well-known booking platforms.'
Ms Davenport added that often the link or website will disappear following payment being made by the consumer.
'Some victims may even receive a fake booking confirmation and only discover the scam after they have travelled to the destination and find the accommodation doesn't exist when they arrive,' Ms Davenport added. 'Some victims may even receive a fake booking confirmation and only discover the scam after they have travelled to the destination and find the accommodation doesn't exist when they arrive,' Ms Davenport added. Pic: Getty Images
The red flags that consumers should look out for include being asked to pay via bank transfer or being pressurised.
'It's important to take a moment and double check the offer is authentic by visiting the official website of the travel company directly rather than clicking on a link in an email or advert,' she advised.
'Our Scamchecker tool also provides consumers with a free and simple way to verify the legitimacy of a website or link before making a booking.'
Others tips and tricks to safeguard against travel scams this summer include using a secure WiFi; keeping a record of your order and purchase details and ensuring your computer's security is up to date with reliable anti-virus and browser software.
FraudSMART aims to raise consumer and business awareness of the latest financial fraud activity and trends and provide simple and impartial advice on how best they can protect themselves and their resources.
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