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Fraud guide

Holiday scams

Top tips to stay safe

Fraudsters use fake holiday adverts to trick you into booking a holiday with them that doesn't exist.

Follow our top five tips before booking your next holiday:

  1. Beware of dodgy deals: watch out for deals that sound too good to be true because they're usually a scam.
  2. Check out online reviews: look for negative reviews or a lack of reviews that could mean the company isn't genuine.
  3. Avoid paying with cash or bank transfer: always try to pay by card if you can for extra protection.
  4. Beware of urgency: scammers often rush you into making decisions by claiming it something is a limited time deal.
  5. Book with a company you know and trust: when you buy a holiday from a member of these schemes you get protection on your payments:

How to spot holiday scams

Scammers use different ways to trick you into booking a fake holiday. Here are the most common tactics:

  • Research: take the time to thoroughly research the travel agency, website, or company you are dealing with.
  • Super low prices: be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, as they may be a ploy to lure you in.
  • Unclear contact information: genuine companies provide clear contact information. If you can't find a physical address, phone number, or email, it's a red flag.
  • Fake websites: be cautious of websites with slight variations in the link of well-known booking and travel sites. Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails and messages.

Going on a trip?

Find out how we could help you manage your money on your travels in our travel hub.

Scam email example

Click through the five steps below to see tactics commonly used in email scams. 

1. Spotting the signs of a scam email

Click through the points below to learn what to look for when you get a suspicious email.

2. Fake email address

Look for differences in the email address compared to the organisation it's pretending to come from.

3. Too good to be true

If an offer feels too good to be true, it's likely to be a scam. 

4. Pressure tactics

Be alert to attempts to rush you into acting quickly, before checking if it's genuine.

5. Asking you to transfer money

Be wary of requests for bank transfers. Check what payment types an organisation accepts on its website.

Example of a scam email
Example of a scam email highlighting the sender's email address
Example of a scam email highlighting an offer that may be fake
Example of a scam emailing showing pressure tactics to rush people
Example of a scam email where a bank transfer is being requested

Scam email example

Click through the five steps below to see tactics commonly used in email scams. 

1. Spotting the signs of a scam email

Click through the points below to learn what to look for when you get a suspicious email.

2. Fake email address

Look for differences in the email address compared to the organisation it's pretending to come from.

3. Too good to be true

If an offer feels too good to be true, it's likely to be a scam. 

4. Pressure tactics

Be alert to attempts to rush you into acting quickly, before checking if it's genuine.

5. Asking you to transfer money

Be wary of requests for bank transfers. Check what payment types an organisation accepts on its website.

Staying safe on holiday

warning Message

Please call us if you think you've been scammed.

The cost of your call will depend on what phone line you're using. See our call charge information page.

Also, please note that calls may be recorded for training and monitoring purposes.

 Please have your customer number and PIN ready when you call so we can deal with your call quickly. These are the same details you use to log in to Digital Banking.