High riskOnline Shopping Scams

Holiday Package Scam

In this scam, a too-good-to-be-true all-inclusive holiday or travel package is advertised cheaply, then the seller takes a deposit or full payment by transfer and provides no booking, fake confirmations, or nothing at all.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Fake service (travel package)
Main red flag
A cheap all-inclusive holiday package paid by transfer to an unverified seller.
What to do first
Book through reputable, verifiable travel providers and pay by protected methods.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, a too-good-to-be-true all-inclusive holiday or travel package is advertised cheaply, then the seller takes a deposit or full payment by transfer and provides no booking, fake confirmations, or nothing at all.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'All-inclusive 7-night holiday, flights and hotel, half the usual price! Pay a deposit by transfer to secure your dates.'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • A package priced far below normal
  • Payment by bank transfer or gift card
  • A seller or agency you cannot verify
  • Pressure to pay a deposit quickly
  • Vague or fake booking confirmations

What to do

  • Book through reputable, verifiable travel providers
  • Check the agency's credentials and reviews
  • Pay by a method with protection where possible
  • Verify flights and hotels directly with the providers

If you already clicked or replied

  • If you paid, contact your bank or payment provider to try to recover it
  • Verify any booking directly with the airline and hotel
  • Keep all confirmations and messages as evidence
  • Report the seller to your fraud authority

What not to do

  • Do not pay for holidays by transfer to unverified sellers
  • Do not trust prices far below normal
  • Do not skip verifying flights and hotels directly

Similar scams

High risk Online Shopping

Fake Flight Booking Scam

Fake flight booking scams use lookalike travel sites or fake 'agents' to advertise unusually cheap flights. They take payment by bank transfer or card for a ticket that is never issued or is quietly cancelled, and often follow up with a fake 'your flight is cancelled, call to rebook' message designed to harvest card and passport details.
Medium risk Online Shopping

Hotel Booking Scam

Hotel booking scams use fake listings or phishing messages that pose as a booking platform or the hotel itself. They ask you to 'reconfirm' payment off-platform, pay a deposit by transfer, or update card details for a room that may not really be available. Some come from hacked hotel chat or email accounts, making the request look genuine.
Medium risk Online Shopping

Car Rental Booking Scam

In this scam, fake car rental websites or 'customer service' numbers offer cheap deals and take a prepayment or deposit for a vehicle, then provide no car and no refund, or harvest your card details.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book a holiday safely?
Use reputable, verifiable travel providers, check credentials and reviews, pay by a protected method, and confirm flights and hotels directly.
Why is a very cheap package a warning sign?
Prices far below normal, plus pressure to pay a deposit by transfer, are classic signs of a fake travel deal.
I paid a deposit and the booking isn't real. What now?
Contact your bank or payment provider to try to recover it, verify directly with the airline and hotel, and report the seller.
How can I verify a booking?
Contact the airline and hotel directly with any reference numbers to confirm the reservation exists in your name.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.