What is holiday fraud?

Holiday fraud is a scam that takes payment for a trip or accommodation that does not exist or is not booked. Report Fraud describes fake travel adverts and copied property photographs. You may discover the problem at the airport or when the accommodation has no booking in your name. 1

By Secordit. Last checked: 7 November 2026.

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How does it work?

  1. An advert offers a holiday or rental at an unusually low price. 1
  2. The seller uses copied photographs or a false travel identity. 1
  3. You pay, but the promised flight or stay is not booked. 1

What Report Fraud describes

Report Fraud describes travellers reaching an airport without a promised flight booking. It also describes accommodation providers having no record of the paid stay. 1

What are the warning signs?

  • An unfamiliar travel company contacts you without invitation. 1
  • Property details do not match information found elsewhere. 1
  • The seller insists on cash or a bank transfer. 1

What to do now

  1. Stop replying to a holiday offer you cannot verify. 1
  2. Contact your bank if you have paid a suspected scam. 12

UK reporting and support

  • If you paid a suspected scam, contact your bank using the number on your card. 23
  • Report fraud in England, Wales or Northern Ireland to Report Fraud. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. 34
  • If someone is in danger, call 999. 4
  • Forward suspicious emails to [email protected]. Forward suspicious texts to 7726. 5

How can you protect yourself?

  • Check travel membership or licence claims through the relevant organisation’s own directory. 1
  • Book directly with a provider or a reputable agent. 1

Frequently asked questions

Can scammers copy real hotel photographs?

Yes. Report Fraud says criminals take photographs from other travel websites. 1

Does an impressive travel logo prove membership?

Check the membership or licence with the organisation itself. Report Fraud links to ABTA, ABTOT and ATOL checks. 1

Is every low-priced holiday a scam?

Price alone is not proof. Report Fraud advises checking the company and booking details independently. 1

Matching kit

After a Scam: What to Do First · £7 · Digital download.

A printable UK checklist for money, account and reporting steps. It is general information, not a recovery service.

General information, not legal, financial or personalised security advice. Secordit is not a police or bank reporting service.

News Pulse

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Sources

  1. Report Fraud, Holiday fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  2. Report Fraud, Ticket fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  3. Report Fraud, Police impersonation alert and reporting routes. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  4. Police Scotland, How to report a crime. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  5. GOV.UK, Avoid and report internet scams and phishing. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).