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Eight holiday booking scams to avoid

Blog Categories Travel Tips

Written by

Jane Bolton

With 86% of Brits planning trips abroad, millions of us are already searching for flights, accommodation and package deals..

While booking a holiday should feel exciting, it’s always worth taking a little care when arranging your plans, particularly when paying online. In 2024 alone, over £11 million was lost to holiday booking fraud in the UK, often by travellers who believed they were paying for genuine flights or accommodation.

The good news is that most travel scams follow familiar patterns. And once you know what to look out for, they’re much easier to avoid.

Jane Bolton, one of our Travel Experts, shares eight common holiday booking scams and simple ways to protect yourself when booking your next holiday.

1. Too good to be true” deals

We all love finding a bargain. But if a luxury holiday looks dramatically cheaper than every similar listing in the area, it’s worth pausing before clicking “book now”. Scammers often rely on attractive prices to rush travellers into paying quickly.

Before committing, take a few minutes to compare prices elsewhere. Avoid paying by direct bank transfer, and stick to reputable booking platforms with secure payments and proper confirmation documentation. A genuine provider won’t pressure you to pay instantly.

2. Fake flight cancellation emails

Messages claiming your flight has been cancelled or needs urgent payment can look surprisingly convincing. They often include official logos and urgent language designed to prompt quick action.

If you receive unexpected travel updates, don’t click links straight away. Instead, log in to your airline or booking account directly through the official website to check whether the message is genuine.

3. Clone travel websites

Some fraudulent websites closely mimic well-known airlines or travel brands. At first glance, everything may look legitimate, but the web address often contains subtle spelling changes. Typing the website address directly into your browser, rather than clicking ads or links, can reduce the risk. It’s also worth double-checking the web address carefully before entering any payment details.

4. Requests to pay outside the booking platform

If you’re ever asked to move payment outside of the booking platform, for example via bank transfer or private messaging, treat it as a red flag. Scammers sometimes claim there’s a technical issue with the booking system. Keeping communication and payment within the official platform ensures you benefit from booking protections, a transaction record, and customer support if anything goes wrong.

5. Booking over unsecured public Wi-Fi

Free airport or café Wi-Fi is convenient, but it isn’t always secure, especially when entering card details. If possible, use mobile data or a secure private connection when completing bookings. If you do need to use public Wi-Fi, using a trusted VPN can add an extra layer of protection. Turning off automatic Wi-Fi connections on your device can also help reduce risk while travelling.

6. Unusually cheap travel insurance

Travel insurance is essential but only if it’s valid. Some fraudulent sites advertise very low-cost policies that don’t provide real cover. It’s important to check that any insurer is authorised and that the policy documents are clear before purchasing. You can verify this on the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) register. If a policy seems significantly cheaper than others on the market, it’s worth investigating further before proceeding.

7. Fake customer service numbers

Not all scams happen before you book. Some involve fake airline or booking support numbers appearing in online search results. If you need to contact a provider, always use the contact details listed on their official website. Be cautious if you’re asked to share full card details over the phone unexpectedly.

8. High-pressure countdown tactics

Messages like “Only one room left at this price” or “Offer ends in 10 minutes” are designed to make you pay quickly. While limited availability can sometimes be genuine, urgency is often used to stop travellers from double checking details. Taking a moment to research the company independently and review terms and conditions carefully can prevent costly mistakes.

Our summary

While holiday booking scams are becoming more sophisticated, they often rely on the same tactics: unusually low prices, urgency and requests to move payments outside secure systems. By booking through trusted, reputable travel companies, using secure payment methods, and taking a few extra minutes to double-check details, you can significantly reduce the risk. If you believe you’ve encountered a travel scam you can also tailor-made ski holidays, where accommodation, travel and support are arranged through verified partners.

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