North Wales PCC launches campaign to help travellers avoid online scams
PEOPLE booking summer holidays are being urged to stay alert for fraudsters as a new campaign is launched to help travellers avoid being caught out by fake deals and bogus travel websites.
North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin has teamed up with internet safety organisation Get Safe Online to highlight the growing threat of holiday booking scams as the peak travel planning season gets underway.
With more residents arranging flights, accommodation and package breaks online, criminals are increasingly using sophisticated methods to target those searching for summer bargains.
Fraudsters are known to set up fake websites, social media adverts, emails, texts and even phone calls designed to trick victims into paying for holidays or travel arrangements that do not exist.
Tony Neate, chief executive of Get Safe Online, warned that scammers are becoming more convincing.
“Fraudsters love the internet just as much as you do,” he said. “They set up fake websites, listings, emails, ads, social media posts and texts and even make phone calls, all designed to trick you into paying for a holiday, flight or other trip that simply doesn’t exist.”
Mr Dunbobbin said the campaign, which will run throughout April, aims to help people across North Wales book holidays with confidence.
“This campaign during April highlights how important it is for people across North Wales to feel confident and safe when booking their holidays online,” he said.
“By working closely with the Police’s Economic Crime team and Get Safe Online, we want to ensure residents have clear, practical advice that helps protect them from fraud and prevents criminals from taking advantage of those looking forward to a well-earned break.
“Supporting people to stay safe, both online and in their day-to-day lives, remains a key priority for my office and forms a core part of my Plan for fighting crime in North Wales.”
Holidaymakers are being advised to research accommodation carefully before paying any money, check that listings are genuine, read independent reviews and confirm that agents or owners are authorised to sell the booking.
Residents are also being warned against paying by bank transfer unless they are absolutely certain the seller is legitimate, as credit cards often provide greater protection if something goes wrong.
Other advice includes keeping communications and payments within trusted booking platforms, checking whether travel companies are members of ABTA or ATOL, and ensuring payment pages are secure before entering card details.
Travellers are urged to keep copies of confirmations and receipts, monitor their bank statements for suspicious activity, and report any suspected fraud to their bank immediately.
Further information and advice is available from Get Safe Online.
