Summer holiday booking fraud peaks — fake villa and flight sites cost UK travellers thousands

What is this scam?

Action Fraud and UK banks are warning of a surge in holiday booking fraud as the peak summer travel season reaches its height. Fraudsters operate convincing fake websites for holiday villas, flights, and package deals — often appearing above legitimate sites in paid search results — taking payment by bank transfer before disappearing. Victims typically discover the fraud when they arrive at their destination to find no booking was ever made, or receive a 'cancellation' with no refund shortly before departure. UK travellers lose more than £11 million to holiday fraud each year with an average loss around £1,800; Action Fraud urges booking only through ABTA or ATOL-protected operators and paying by credit card for purchase protection.

Example scam message

Red flags to look out for

• The message creates urgency — threatening a fine, missed delivery, or account closure.
• Links lead to unofficial domains that don't match the real company's website.
• You weren't expecting this message and can't verify the event it references.
• It asks you to confirm payment details or personal information via a link.
• The sender's number or email address doesn't match the company's official contact.

What to do if you receive this

1. Do not call any numbers or click any links in the message.
2. Log in to your account directly via the official website or app to check for any real alerts.
3. Forward the message to 7726 or email report@phishing.gov.uk.
4. Report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk.