Holiday Scams

7 July 2024

Dreaming about exploring parts of Ireland you have never seen before, or lying on a beach on your annual summer holiday?
 
Sadly, fraudsters take advantage of people searching for a cheap holiday or last minute getaway and use this to target people with everything from fake package holidays to accommodation that doesn’t exist.  They will often create fake ads and offer to sell airline tickets at a discounted price or charge a small fee for a name change, but once the money has been sent they will disappear.

To help you avoid becoming a victim this summer, here are some top tips to stay safe from holiday scams:
•    Always purchase tickets and hotel stays from trusted retailers or directly from the airline or hotel.  You should always check for valid reviews on websites such as TripAdvisor.
•    When booking stays through websites such as Booking.com, only pay through their systems.  You should never transfer money directly to an individual.  Once your booking has been confirmed, if you receive what appears to be a message from the hotel asking you to pay more money, do not pay this without contacting Booking.com or the hotel directly using the contact details on their website.
•    Always be cautious of booking a holiday through social media, ensuring you carry out your own checks to validate that what they are selling is genuine.
•    Always take your time and do not succumb to pressure by the seller.
•    Always check the ITAA (Irish Travel Agents Association) or Fáilte Ireland to if see if they are licensed or registered.
•    Always use official websites to obtain a visa if required.  Remember, the 1st one to appear on the search engine may not always be the official one.
•    Always use the official website or App to check in or confirm your details, never use a link in an email.
•    Always use your Debit or Credit Card, as this helps to protect your money should something go wrong.  If you are asked to pay in cash, via a bank transfer or international payment, this is usually a tell-tale sign that the deal isn’t genuine.  These type of payments can be difficult to trace and isn’t refundable.

Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.