With a staggering increase of 900% in travel scams over the past 18 months, largely driven by advances in AI, travel specialists are warning tourists of five common scams many are falling for.
Regulators have warned that £11 million was lost to holiday fraud in 2024 alone, with opportunistic scammers taking advantage of rising last‑minute bookings and a surge in travel deals. Almost a third (30%) of adults have fallen victim to a travel scam or know someone who has. To help holidaymakers protect themselves, Post Office is sharing practical tips for identifying and avoiding holiday scams:
- Unlicensed or fake tour guides
In busy, tourist hotspots, unlicensed guides will walk alongside you, offering an informal tour before demanding payment. To avoid this, always book tickets for attractions and tours through official sites, at museum kiosks or through accredited providers.
- ‘Are you lost?’
Being lost in a place you have never been to is normal. Locals who may initially seem friendly might offer directions or even take you to where you need to be. This usually ends in an aggressive payment demand. If you need assistance, seek help from inside a shop or cafe, consult a map or use your phone’s GPS for directions.
- Friendship bracelets
Popular in major European cities, scammers place a “friendship bracelet” around your wrist under the guise of a free gift, then refuse to remove it without payment. Avoid engaging and keep walking if you are approached.
- AI travel agents
Scammers are now using AI voice‑cloning technology to impersonate a travel agent or loved ones to get money. Warning signs include unnatural pauses in conversation, high‑pressure tactics, requests for immediate payment or changes to banking details. Always verify credentials through official websites, confirmed phone numbers, or multiple channels before acting.
- Closed attractions
This video warns about fraudsters claiming a landmark is closed due to an event or maintenance, then divert travellers to a shop or unofficial tour where they receive a commission. Always check operating hours on the attraction’s official website, app or posted signage before altering your plans.
Adam Edinburgh, Head of Post Office Travel & New Products, commented:
“The way scams work has changed from classic street cons with digital deception, from fake booking pages to AI‑cloned voices. Awareness is your first defence: pause before you pay, verify through official channels and be sceptical of unsolicited ‘help’. If something still goes wrong, having travel insurance protects you against theft, fraud and trip disruption, covering lost money, passports and valuables if you’re pickpocketed or scammed. If fake accommodation or missing documents leave you stranded, 24/7 assistance can help with replacements and new travel plans.”
| [donate]
| Help keep news FREE for our readersSupporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism,then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. |
