Holiday scams warning for people across Yorkshire & Humber
Fraud experts in the region are urging people to think carefully before booking a cheap get away
We're being urged to think twice before booking a holiday, in case it is a scam.
Many people have been tricked into booking non-existent trips by fraudsters preying on people looking for a cheap deal.
Andy Fox works for the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit and says often people are targeted online: "They will scour social media for something that offers a cut price holiday, but unfortunately the scammers know this, they know how to make things look attractive. Anyone can put a social media post up with white sand and blue seas."
"It is very difficult, but if it does look too cheap, then the alarm bells need to be ringing."
"With the cost of living crisis people are wanting more bang for their buck, they are wanting their money to go further but they are being tempted by what seems to be a too good to be true offer."
The comments come as new research reveals that over a quarter of adult consumers say they have received emails, texts or messages offering a holiday deal that they suspected was a scam.
The research from the Civil Aviation Authority reveals that an estimated 10 million consumers are considering booking their break by the end of this week with over a third (35%) saying they are likely to book their 2025 holiday with their January pay-packet.
Over four in ten (44%) say their priority when booking a holiday for this year is getting the cheapest deal but the CAA which runs the ATOL holiday protection scheme, is warning of scammers selling holidays that don't exist by setting up fake online holiday firms or consumers getting caught out by hidden costs and extras.
While 85% of people recognise the importance of ensuring that their package holiday is ATOL protected, a quarter admit they never check if their holiday is ATOL protected and nearly a quarter say that getting the cheapest possible holiday is worth the risk of being ripped off or scammed.
The CAA says that with everyone struggling with increased living costs, booking a 'too good to be true' holiday deal maybe be too tempting for many and is urging consumers to make sure their money is protected should the worst happen by booking an ATOL protected holiday.