Travellers being caught by a holiday scam have risen by 20 per cent since last year | Travel News | Travel

If a holiday seems too good to be true then it could be a scam.

Travellers being caught out has risen by 20 per cent since last year, according to Which?

The figure has seen a jump from 4,910 to 5,826, according to Action Fraud figures.

With the scams costing travellers £1,200 on average, it can ruin any family holiday with this huge bill.

The most common type that travellers should be aware of is airline ticket sales, alongside booking accommodation.

This is when fraudsters create fake websites and adverts, and sell fare tickets or bookings that never get confirmed.

Surprisingly, younger people are more likely to be caught out by the bargains that the holiday scams offer.

Those aged between 20 and 39 were most likely to fall for the scam with older generations much less likely to be duped.

Which? offers some advice on how travellers can avoid falling for the scams.

A useful tip is if they only offer a bank transfer. Booking websites should always offer a credit card option to pay with as it offers protection to the traveller, whereas bank transfers are nearly impossible to get refunded.

Whilst seeming obvious, if something is offered for free or the price seems way too good to be true, it can also be a fake scheme.

It’s also work confirming whether they are ABTA-protected to ensure money back guarantees if any problems arise.