Be very careful of holiday scams
By Liudmyla Bortok
As summer gets into full swing and people across Ireland search for last-minute getaways, a major fraud awareness scheme is warning the public to be careful of online travel scams.
Scammers are targeting holidaymakers with tempting offers, claiming to have ‘limited time offers’ or ‘recent cancellations' – often on fake websites or through ads on social media. Once people click, they’re led to convincing pages that look real, but are designed to steal money.
To stay safe, FraudSMART is urging people to use Scamchecker.ie, a free tool that checks if a website or link is genuine before you make a booking. FraudSMART is a fraud awareness initiative developed by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI).
Niamh Davenport, Head of Financial Crime at the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) and lead for the FraudSMART campaign, explained: “Once payment is made — often by bank transfer — the so-called agent or website disappears, leaving victims without a booking and out of pocket. Some victims may even receive a fake booking confirmation, only to discover the scam after they have travelled to the destination and find the property doesn’t exist when they arrive.”
Tips to avoid travel scams:
· Use trusted booking sites: Stick with well-known travel websites or licensed agents.
· Check before you click: Use Scamchecker.ie to make sure the link is safe.
· Don’t trust unsolicited offers: If you get a deal through email or social media, go to the company’s official website directly instead of clicking links.
· Never pay by bank transfer: Credit or debit cards offer more protection if things go wrong.
· Avoid using public wi-fi when booking or paying for holidays online.
· Save your records: Always keep a copy of your booking confirmation and receipts.
· Keep your devices secure: Make sure your phone or computer has the latest software and antivirus updates.
· Protect your payment info: Don’t share your PIN, and always keep your card in sight when paying.
FraudSMART is encouraging everyone to check Scamchecker.ie before making any online travel booking. It’s fast, free, and could save you from falling victim to a scam.
If you think you’ve been scammed, contact your bank immediately and report it to the gardaí.