As Black Friday kicks off today, November 28, there will be countless holiday and travel-related deals on offer.
Keen holidaymakers will likely be ready to bag a bargain this weekend.
And this will continue through to Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday next week – with so many travel offers available for a discount price.
However, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has urged travellers to be careful when booking trips during the sales period.
It revealed that a whopping £11million was lost to holiday fraud in 2024, according to City of London Police.
Out of the entire country, Londoners lost the most, totalling nearly £2.5million.
Several other areas were massively hit, too, including the West Midlands which was hit with £546,000 in losses.
Elsewhere, holidaymakers in Greater Manchester lost £508,000 and travel enthusiasts in Hampshire were hit by £482,000.
As Black Friday kicks off today, November 28, there will be countless holiday and travel-related deals on offer – but tourists have been warned to stay vigilant for scams (stock)
The CAA shared tips to avoid being caught out during Black Friday and Travel Tuesday sales.
It recommends travellers check the trip has ATOL protection before handing over any money.
The organisation explained that companies ‘selling air package holidays in the UK must hold an ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence)’.
This means that if the company ceases trading before the holiday, customers are still protected, too.
It is also recommended to use a credit card when booking a break away.
Using a credit card could offer protection under the Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
Travel insurance is another way for holidaymakers to protect themselves in case of cancellations or emergencies.
Selina Chadha, Group Director of Consumers & Markets at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: ‘Holiday fraud is a growing concern, especially around major sales events like Travel Tuesday.
But keen holidaymakers have been warned that the bargains may be too good to be true at times (stock)
‘With over £11 million lost in 2024 alone, it’s important that consumers are equipped with the knowledge they need to protect themselves.
‘Before booking, check that your travel provider is an ATOL holder and that your holiday is ATOL protected.
‘You should receive an ATOL Certificate that confirms what’s covered.
‘Using a credit card and taking out travel insurance can also provide extra peace of mind if things don’t go to plan.’
Share or comment on this article:
Black Friday warning issued as £11 million lost to holiday fraud last year
Source link
CHECK OUT: Top Travel Destinations
READ MORE: Travel News
