As summer comes to an end, lots of us are thinking of booking a last-minute holiday deal. Scammers often try to take advantage of this and catch people out with fake offers and deals.
Barclays Bank has issued the following advice to support customers to stay ahead of the scammers:
Look out for fake deals on accommodation and travel Scammers create realistic travel websites and listings with fake holiday offers. They may contact you directly by email, text or phone call. They’ll try and trick you into:
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Paying for accommodation that doesn’t exist or is already full
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Buying fake travel tickets
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Entering your details on a fraudulent website.
Be vigilant when paying for your holiday and only use the payment options shown on the company’s official website. Always book with a company you’ve researched and never open links in unexpected emails and texts. If something looks too good to be true, it usually is.
Watch out for ticket scams Scammers can make websites that mimic real ones and sell fake tickets at seemingly bargain prices. It can be tempting, especially if the ones you want are very expensive or have sold out. You pay and either don’t get a ticket, or you get a fake one that will be refused when you try to use it at the event. Always do your research and check a provider is genuine before buying.
Don’t be tempted by quick cash Be wary if someone offers to pay you to help them move money. If money goes in and out of your account from illegal activity, you’re a ‘money mule’ and that’s a crime. Never help anyone move money or give them access to your account.
Protect your tech Criminals sneak malicious software, or ‘malware’, onto your devices to steal information like passwords and payment details. They hide it in emails and apps so you don’t realise you’re downloading it. To avoid getting malware:
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Only get apps from the official app store for your device
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Don’t open links in unexpected emails and texts
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Keep your device’s software up to date, so you always have the latest security features.
