With Black Friday and the increasingly popular ‘Travel Tuesday’ approaching, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued an urgent warning to holidaymakers. The regulator is urging caution after new figures revealed that travellers lost a staggering £11 million to holiday fraud in 2024 alone.
As bargain hunters scour the web for winter sun and summer getaways, officials are advising consumers to pause and check their booking details before parting with their cash.
Londoners Hardest Hit
Data provided by the City of London Police highlights that the capital’s residents were the primary targets of fraudsters, recording the highest losses at nearly £2.5 million. However, the issue is nationwide, with significant losses reported in the West Midlands (£546,000), Greater Manchester (£508,000), and Hampshire (£482,000).
The warning comes as the UK embraces ‘Travel Tuesday’ – originally a US trend that has rapidly become a major fixture in the British sales calendar. With spending on travel deals estimated to reach £467 million this year, the influx of online activity provides a smokescreen for scammers to target price-savvy travellers.
“Unbelievably Cheap” Deals
Chief Superintendent Amanda Wolf from the National Lead Force for fraud at the City of London Police warned that the “hectic” nature of Black Friday shopping can make consumers vulnerable.
“We recommend those who are looking to snap up holiday deals stay vigilant, look out for fake adverts on social media and online marketplaces,” Chief Superintendent Wolf said.
“Stop and check the Black Friday offer you’re interested in and make sure you do extra research before snapping up that holiday deal, especially if the prices are unbelievably cheap. Ensure you pay with a credit card to benefit from the additional consumer protection and avoid paying via bank transfer as this can be a key sign of fraud.”
The Importance of ATOL Protection
The CAA’s primary advice is to ensure that any package holiday booked is ATOL protected. The Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) scheme protects customers from being stranded abroad or losing money if a travel company ceases trading.
Selina Chadha, Group Director of Consumers & Markets at the CAA, said: “Holiday fraud is a growing concern, especially around major sales events like Travel Tuesday. With over £11 million lost in 2024 alone, it’s important that consumers are equipped with the knowledge they need to protect themselves.
“Before booking, check that your travel provider is an ATOL holder and that your holiday is ATOL protected. You should receive an ATOL Certificate that confirms what’s covered.”
Top Tips to Avoid Holiday Fraud
To ensure your dream holiday doesn’t turn into a nightmare, the CAA recommends the following steps:
- Check for ATOL protection: Travel companies selling air package holidays in the UK are legally required to hold an ATOL. Verify the provider at ATOL.org and ensure you receive an ATOL Certificate upon booking.
- Pay with a credit card: Avoid bank transfers. Paying with a credit card can offer enhanced protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act for purchases between £100 and £30,000. If the company collapses or the holiday is not as described, the card issuer may refund the cost.
- Take out travel insurance: Comprehensive insurance can cover cancellations, missed transport, medical emergencies, and lost items. Always check the terms and conditions carefully.
If you suspect you have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, contact your bank immediately and report it via the Stop Think Fraud campaign website.
Discover more from UK Aviation News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
