Travel expert warns of fake accommodation and fraudulent travel agencies in 2024

Holidaymakers are being warned of a shocking rise in travel scams. According to data from Booking.com, there has been a staggering 900% increase in travel scams over the past year and a half, as reported by travel and luggage storage experts at Bounce.

These scams come in all shapes and sizes, with some so sophisticated they can catch even the most seasoned travellers off guard. To help protect holidaymakers, Cody Candee, CEO and Founder of Bounce, has shared his top five travel scams to watch out for this summer, along with advice on how to avoid falling victim to them.

Fake accommodation listings

Mr Candee warns: "Following the rise of vacation rentals over the past few years through sites such as Airbnb and Booking.com, Brits need to be aware of fake accommodation listings. Typically, scammers create fake listings on legitimate travel websites or their own platforms, offering properties that don't exist. They often request payment upfront, and once paid, they vanish. To avoid losing money to these types of scams, travellers should use reputable platforms, check reviews & ratings and ensure to communicate with hosts and property owners.

Fraudulent Travel Agencies

"Fake travel agencies are an increasing threat in 2024, preying on travellers seeking affordable getaways by creating convincing websites with irresistible deals. Once they receive payment, these scammers either provide counterfeit tickets or disappear, leaving travellers stranded and financially vulnerable.

"They often use high-pressure tactics and fake reviews to make themselves seem credible. To avoid such scams, travellers should verify an agency's legitimacy by checking for accreditations, reading independent reviews, and booking through well-known platforms."

Phishing Schemes

"Phishing schemes and emails are a tactic used by fraudsters to target travellers. These emails impersonate reputable travel companies, offering enticing deals or asking for booking confirmations to create urgency.

"Their main aim is to trick travellers into clicking scam links or providing sensitive information, like bank account details. We advise travellers to check the sender's email address carefully, hover over links to verify their authenticity, and never share personal information without confirming the email's legitimacy first.

Public Wi-Fi Networks

"Public Wi-Fi Networks"Public Wi-Fi networks, such as coffee shops or on public transport, are risky to use as scammers are able to set up fake hotspots to steal personal information. Once connected, these networks can intercept sensitive data like personal login details and bank account information.

"To protect yourself, avoid using public Wi-Fi for important transactions. If necessary, travellers can use a VPN to encrypt connections and safeguard data.

Currency Exchange Scams

"Currency exchange scams are prevalent in 2024 and can involve counterfeit money or hidden fees, especially with unauthentic services offering tempting exchange rates. To protect yourself, use approved services, and check for official licensing and reviews.

"Staying informed on these types of scams will help ensure you receive genuine currency and avoid losses before a big trip.

Tips for avoiding travel scams

Mr Candee also comments on how you can identify red flags, verify the authenticity of deals, and protect personal information: "As travel and luggage experts, we understand that navigating the world of travel can be overwhelming, especially with the sophistication of scams.

"One of the most telling signs of a scam is an offer that seems too good to be true. Scammers often lure travellers with incredibly low prices or exclusive deals, so it's crucial to approach such offers with caution.

"Always compare prices with those on reputable travel sites, and if there's a significant discrepancy, question the legitimacy. You should also be wary of poor website quality - legitimate companies invest in professional sites.

"Following the rise of vacation rentals over the past few years through sites such as Airbnb and Booking.com, Brits need to be aware of fake accommodation listings. Usually, scammers create fake listings through legitimate travel websites or their own platforms, offering nonexistent properties."

"Grammar errors, broken links, or missing contact details are all signals for scam sites. Additionally, travellers should watch out for pressure tactics that push you to act immediately; authentic businesses respect your decision-making process."

"To verify the authenticity of deals, conduct thorough research, such as looking for reviews on websites like Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau, for insights into other travellers' experiences. Book through official channels, such as airline or hotel websites, and ensure the URL matches the official domain.

"Accreditation from organizations like ABTA or ATOL is another strong indicator of reliability when booking a holiday. Safeguarding personal information is most important.

"You should use strong, unique passwords for your travel accounts and always enable two-factor authentication, wherever possible. Be cautious with public Wi-Fi networks, as these are often an easy target for hackers.

"Regularly monitor your financial accounts for unauthorized transactions and payments, as well as being mindful of the information you share when booking travel plans. By staying vigilant and informed, travellers across the globe can avoid scams and enjoy a safe journey in 2024."