Travel & Holiday Scams
Travel and holiday scams target people booking trips, using fake or copied listings, too-good-to-be-true package deals, and bogus visa or travel-authorisation services. Scammers take deposits or full payment by transfer for flights, hotels, or holiday lets that do not exist, or impersonate official visa sites to overcharge and harvest passport details. Many appear briefly through social media ads or unofficial websites.
Common red flags
- Prices far below normal for flights, hotels, or packages
- Payment requested by bank transfer or gift card
- Pressure to pay a deposit quickly to 'secure' a deal
- Unofficial visa or travel-authorisation sites with high fees
- Listings or agencies you cannot independently verify
Travel scam guides
Vacation Club Scam
In this scam, a vacation or holiday club uses free-prize lures and high-pressure presentations to sell expensive memberships promising cheap holidays that are restricted, unavailable, or worthless.
Fake Travel Agency Scam
In this scam, a fake travel agency offers cheap flights, hotels, or packages, takes your payment, then provides fake confirmations or nothing at all, leaving you with no booking and no refund.
Airport Taxi & Transfer Scam
In this scam, unlicensed drivers or fake transfer services approach arriving travellers, then charge inflated fares, demand extra fees, or take prepayment for transfers that never arrive.
Travel Insurance Scam
In this scam, fake or unlicensed travel insurance is sold cheaply with broad promises, but the policy is worthless or invalid, so claims are denied and you are left uninsured abroad.
Free Holiday Prize Scam
In this scam, you are told you have won a free holiday or cruise, then asked for booking fees, taxes, or card details, or pressured into a high-pressure timeshare or club presentation, for a trip that is restricted or never happens.
Global Entry Renewal Scam
In this scam, fake websites and ads offer to process or renew Global Entry or trusted traveller memberships, charging extra fees and harvesting passport and personal details while posing as official services.
Fake Cruise Booking Scam
In this scam, fake cruise deals and lookalike booking sites advertise heavily discounted voyages, take deposits or full payment by transfer, then deliver no booking or a worthless reservation.
Fake Embassy & Visa Scam
In this scam, fraudsters impersonate an embassy, consulate, or immigration office by phone, email, or fake website, demanding visa, passport, or 'processing' fees and personal documents that they steal or misuse.
Travel eSIM & Data Plan Scam
In this scam, fake travel eSIM or roaming data sites and ads sell cheap international data plans, take your payment and details, then provide a non-working code or nothing at all while harvesting card data.
Flight Compensation Scam
In this scam, emails, calls, or ads claim you are owed compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight, charging upfront fees or harvesting personal and payment details for claims that are fake or free to make yourself.
Frequently asked questions
How can I book travel safely?
Why is a very cheap deal a warning sign?
Where should I apply for a visa or travel authorisation?
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