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Independent UK reporting on scams, fraud and financial harm

The Fraud Center

Scam type

Holiday and travel booking fraud

Fake accommodation and flight listings spike when travel advice changes

A laptop showing a holiday rental listing beside a packed suitcase
Illustrative image for Holiday and travel booking fraud.
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What it is

Holiday fraud lists non-existent accommodation, flights or tickets at attractive prices. The listing often follows official travel advice changes when people rebook at short notice. Payment by bank transfer to a supposed private landlord usually means the money is unrecoverable.

How to protect yourself

  • Pay by card or inside a trusted platform whenever possible; bank transfers offer little protection.
  • Be wary of listings that demand immediate payment to secure a scarce deal.
  • Check the property or agent through independent review sites and the Travel Association.
  • Keep all communication inside the booking platform.

Latest matching alerts

1 recent warning or report matching this type.

Latest updates

Recently changed matching reports, with links to the change log or source record.

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