Don’t let your dream holiday turn into a nightmare

Thinking about booking a dream break or a summer getaway?

With holiday season just around the corner, many of us will be planning to take some time out from school and work.

But before booking, holidaymakers are being urged to do their research before rushing into booking an online break – as new data reveals victims lost a total of over £11 million to holiday fraud last year.

The warning to stay extra vigilant comes from Action Fraud, the national fraud and cybercrime reporting service.

Action Fraud is urging those looking to snap up their next holiday deals online to look out for suspiciously enticing offers, including on social media.

New data shows there were 6,066 reports of holiday fraud made to Action Fraud last year, with July recorded as the highest month of reporting, with 647 reports.

Holiday makers lost a combined total of almost £11.2 million in 2024.

Although this is a lot less than the £12.3 million lost in 2023, the average loss per victim remains at similar levels, with £1,851 the average in 2023 and £1,844 in 2024.

Here’s how to protect yourself from holiday fraud:

• Do some research first to check that the company is legitimate, especially if you haven’t used them before. Use consumer websites, or reviews from people (or organisations) that you trust.
• Look for the logos. Look for the ABTA, ABTOT or ATOL logos on the company’s website. If you’re unsure, you can use the links below to verify membership:
• Use a credit card for payments (if you have one). Many of these protect online purchases as part of the Consumer Credit Act.
• Only provide required details at checkout. When making your payment, only fill in the mandatory details (often marked with an asterisk) such as your address. Unless you think you’ll become a regular customer, don't create an account for the store.

Meanwhile, whether you’ve booked a week or two in the sun or have planned a short family break – don’t forget to add home security and property protection to your checklist.

Simple security measures will help make the home less attractive to thieves, not only offering peace of mind, but will mean your happy holiday won’t turn into a home-coming heartache.

While you're away:

• Consider getting a relative, friend or neighbour to park on your drive if you have one, open and close the curtains, collect the post from the mat and water the garden. 
• Be mindful of what you write or photos you share on social media which could identify you as being away on holiday.
• Ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property and leave a contact number so they can get in contact with you if anything happens.

Prevention is always better than cure and now is a great time to act on installing or upgrading any CCTV security / lighting or alarm systems – or even changing the locks.

Visit www.safelocaltrades.com for all the details of our reliable and reputable security professionals, including alarm fitters and locksmith.