With millions of Brits beginning to book getaways for 2026 and 2027, travel experts are warning of eight common ‘red flag’ scams that could ruin a holiday and drain your bank account.
Fraudsters swindled more than £11 million from British holidaymakers in 2025, and with searches for ‘travel scams’ surging by 648 per cent in the past year, it reflects a growing concern among UK travellers.
Thankfully, Jane Bolton, managing director of ski holiday provider Erna Low, has shared the biggest scams catching travellers out, plus the easy steps that can considerably reduce risk.
According to Jane, criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in how they present themselves.
From fake flight cancellation texts to cloned airline websites that look almost identical to the real thing, here are the eight swindles Jane warns travellers to look out for while booking your next adventure.
‘Too good to be true’ deals on social media
According to Jane, unusually cheap luxury villas or return flights are major red flags.
Scammers use these ‘too good to be true’ bargains to pressure travellers into making impulsive choices.
Fraudsters swindled more than £11 million from British holidaymakers in 2025
Travel expert Jane Bolton has highlighted eight major travel scams that are currently catching holidaymakers out
If a price seems suspiciously low compared to the market, it’s wise to be cautious.
Jane adds: ‘Always book through reputable travel companies or trusted booking platforms with secure payment systems, and never send money by bank transfer to “hold” a deal.’
Fake flight cancellation emails or texts
Another common scam involves fraudsters sending fake emails or texts about cancelled flights or hidden fees to create a false sense of urgency.
These messages can look impressively professional, using official logos to trick the recipient into acting fast.
Jane says: ‘Never click links in unexpected messages.
‘Instead, log into your booking account directly through the official website to check for updates.
‘Airlines and reputable travel companies won’t ask for sensitive details through random links.’
Scammers frequently send fake emails or texts about cancelled flights – even using professional logos to trick travellers into acting quickly
Cloned airline or travel websites
Cybercriminals are building fake websites that almost perfectly mimic famous airlines and travel brands.
These sites are incredibly convincing, often featuring a web address that differs from the real one by only a single letter.
To protect yourself, Jane advises typing the official URL directly into your internet browser instead of clocking on adverts or links.
She adds: ‘Double check the web address carefully, and use established booking channels that clearly display secure payment options and company details.’
In 2025, experts warned of scammers who are targetting holidaymakers on Booking.com by sending false messages and emails from hotel accounts.
As the messages look legitimate and appear to have come through Booking.com, many tourists are then tricked in to sending payments to the scammers.
The messages falsely inform the holidaymaker that their card has been declined or that their payment details need to be verified.
The scammers then ask holidaymakers to enter their banking details via a false link which is used to steal money.
Requests to make payment outside the platform
Another major red flag is when you’re asked to complete your transaction outside of a secure booking system.
Scammers frequently devise technical glitches as an excuse to request a direct bank transfer instead, says Jane.
To stay protected, it’s worth keeping all messages and payments within the official platform.
This ensures you have access to booking protection, official records and customer support should a problem arise.
It comes as fraudsters have been posing as airline workers and calling British holidaymakers to demand payment for a ‘seat guarantee’ on the plane.
The scam involves holidaymakers being called up by someone pretending to represent a major UK airline.
The caller then typically claims there is a problem with the passenger’s seat selection, often blaming a ‘system glitch’ and offers to secure preferred seats over the phone – but they will only ‘allocate’ the seats if the traveller pays a fee.
Booking or paying over public Wi-Fi
Open Wi-Fi in public places like hotels and airports is often unsecure, making it easy for hackers to steal your private data or payment information.
To stay safe, avoid entering sensitive details while on these networks, use mobile data or a secure connection when making bookings, and disable automatic Wi-Fi connections on your phone to prevent risk.
Jane continues: ‘Using a trusted VPN can add an extra layer of security when you must access Wi-Fi in public places.’
Fake travel insurance providers
Fraudsters don’t just target flights and accommodation – they also target holidaymakers with extremely cheap insurance policies that appear legitimate, but provide no real cover.
Many travellers only realise they’ve been conned once they’d tried to make a claim.
Jane advises: ‘Always check that an insurer is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority before buying.
‘If the price is significantly lower than everywhere else, it’s worth double checking.’
Scam customer service numbers
Scammers often create fake customer service numbers that pop up in search results in order to trick travellers into sharing private information.
To protect yourself, only use contact information found directly on official websites.
If a number appears suspicious, it’s worth verifying it through a trusted source before you dial.
Pressure tactics and countdown timers
Scammers frequently use high-pressure tactics such as fake countdown timers and limited-availability warnings to force travellers into paying before they can think.
Legitimate companies won’t demand an immediate payment without giving travellers the chance to check they’re satisfied with what they’re about to purchase.
Jane finishes: ‘If you feel rushed, pause and research before committing.’
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