Expert issues scam website alert for anyone who needs travel card
UK tourists have been warned to be on the lookout for a scam that could catch out holidaymakers
People have been urged to research deals before booking trips after over £11 million was lost to holiday fraud in 2024. Siobhan Blagbrough, Financial Crime Manager at Ocean Finance, explained: "Everyone's looking for a bargain break, and that makes us more likely to rush into things without checking the details properly.
"Fraudsters take advantage of the seasonal demand by posting fake listings, posing as landlords or travel agents, and demanding upfront payments for holidays that don't exist." The expert also issued an alert over a Global Health Insurance Card scam, warning: "We're also seeing people being tricked into paying for Global Health Insurance Cards (GHICs), which are free through the NHS."
The NHS website explains that you can apply for a card for free. It says: "The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country (...) A UK GHIC is free and lasts for up to 5 years. Apply for your new card through the NHS website. Avoid unofficial websites – they may charge you a fee to apply."
However, scammers could target holidaymakers applying for a card, and it's one of several methods known to be popular with fraudsters, reports the Mirror. Siobhan said: "The most common trick is to pile on the pressure, scammers love using urgency to force quick decisions. If a deal seems too good to be true, take a step back and research before you book."
Below, the expert highlighted five of the biggest holiday scams to look out for.
Fake accommodation listings
Siobhan said: "Fraudsters will post holiday homes that don't exist or aren't available for rent, taking payments upfront before disappearing. These listings often appear on social media or lesser-known websites. Always double-check the listing by running a reverse image search and booking through trusted platforms."
Clone comparison sites
"Some scammers go to great lengths to build fake versions of well-known holiday comparison or airline sites. They look almost identical but are set up purely to steal your payment details. Double-check the web URL and look out for subtle misspellings or unusual domain names," the expert warned.
Bogus travel agents
"You might get a message from a 'travel expert' offering a last-minute deal that feels too good to ignore. They may even send what looks like a real booking confirmation," the expert revealed. "But behind the scenes, there's no flight or hotel reservation. If they insist on a bank transfer or pressure you to book fast, walk away."
Social media bargains
Siobhan continued: "Many scammers use Facebook or Instagram to post holiday deals, but clicking through often leads to fake booking pages or demands for advance payments. They might say 'only two spots left' or 'another family is interested', but this urgency is all part of the scam."
Fake GHIC websites
"Applying for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) through the NHS website is free, but scam websites sometimes charge a £30 - £40 fee to 'process' your application. These fake sites look professional and often rank high on search results, so it's easy to be fooled," the expert said.
How to protect your money
Siobhan advised sticking to trusted sites and companies and paying by credit card for extra protection. She said: "Book through well-known companies and pay inside the platform using a secure method. Once you go outside those platforms, you lose the protection they offer. If someone asks for a bank transfer or says they'll give you a better deal if you pay privately, that's a big red flag."
Siobhan added that you shouldn't ignore warning signs. "If a deal looks unusually cheap for the time of year or destination, slow down and look a bit closer. Check whether the company is part of a recognised travel association like ABTA or ATOL. Even searching the company name with the word 'scam' can bring up useful results," she explained.
The expert said: "If you think you've been scammed, act fast. Contact your bank straight away - if the payment hasn't gone through yet, they might be able to stop it. If it has, they can talk you through what to do next. It's also important to report the scam to Action Fraud and Citizens Advice, and if the scam came via email, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
13 hours ago
- Daily Record
Pharmacist says there are six medications you should pack on holiday
Pharmacist Ashley O Dubhain has shared the six medications he always packs when travelling abroad - and that you should too Preparing for an overseas holiday can often lead to a packing conundrum. While the essentials like clothing and toiletries are no-brainers, it's the unforeseen circumstances that can catch you off guard. It's not easy to anticipate every need, and there may be times when you're caught short without something essential. One pharmacist has highlighted a few key medicines to pack from home to ensure a stress-free vacation. Irish Pharmacist Ashley O Dubhain, known as Ash the Pharmacist on social media, notes that he's frequently asked "in the summer months" about essential travel medicines. He advises travellers not to panic, reminding them that pharmacies will be available at their destination, but he does recommend six particular items based on his "own experience" and understanding of what might be harder to find abroad. For those travelling to hotter, more humid climates, Ashley emphasises the importance of bringing electrolytes with you, and it doesn't matter about the brand. Electrolytes play a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance and supporting muscle and nerve function. Since we lose electrolytes through perspiration, it's critical to replace the sodium lost, particularly if you're prone to heavy sweating. Additionally, he suggests packing an antihistamine such as Zirtek, Telfast, Clarityn, or whichever brand you prefer. Ashley highlighted the benefits of a popular treatment, saying: "This will be good for insect bites but also if you take a reaction to food or the sun, for example. It can help with that heat rash." For those travelling and unaccustomed to foreign cuisine, Ashley suggests keeping Imodium at hand, a crucial over-the-counter remedy to swiftly halt diarrhoea and "stop" any adverse effects. When it comes to insect stings, Ashley often recommends Fucibet, but hydrocortisone cream is available without prescription, such as Cortopin. Yet, Ashley warns: "Ask your pharmacist if you're allowed to take it, as not everyone is. If steroid creams aren't suitable for you, you can get some Anthisan cream." Considering probiotics is another tip from Ashley; start them a few weeks before your trip, particularly if you're heading somewhere the "know the food and the water could make you sick". Probiotics are thought to help restore the natural balance and bacteria in your gut, according to the NHS. Lastly, he recommends bringing some painkillers such as paracetamol, Panadol, Nurofen or ibuprofen. It's important to speak to your doctor or a pharmacist if you're unsure before taking any medication, as what's suitable for others might not be for you.
Time Out
a day ago
- Time Out
Jetstar Asia to cease operations on July 31 – here's how it impacts you
Like a bolt from the blue, Jetstar Asia announced today that it will permanently cease operations as of July 31. In a Facebook post, the airline stated that Jetstar Asia's (3K) flights will continue to operate on a progressively reduced schedule for the next seven weeks until its closure. This may be alarming news for those with scheduled flights on Jetstar Asia. Is your route affected? Can you get a refund for existing tickets? Here's all you need to know about how Jetstar Asia's closure will impact you. Why is Jetstar Asia closing? In a press release published today, parent company Qantas Group stated that the closure of Jetstar Asia is due to "rising supplier costs, high airport fees, and intensified competition in the region, [which have] challenged the low-cost airline's ability to deliver returns comparable to the stronger performing core markets in the Group." Qantas says it's expected to post a $35 million underlying loss in earnings before interest and taxes this financial year, prompting it and its majority shareholder, Westbrook Investments, to close the airline. Jetstar Asia's closure will unlock up to $500 million in fleet capital, which will be funnelled into Qantas Group's core businesses. Which routes are affected? 16 intra-Asia routes operated from its Singapore base will be impacted by the closure of Jetstar Asia. According to The Straits Times, these are the flights between Asian countries currently operated by Jetstar: Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, Penang Singapore to Jakarta, Bali, Medan and Surabaya Singapore to Bangkok, Krabi and Phuket Singapore to Manila Singapore to Wuxi Singapore to Okinawa Singapore to Colombo Jetstar Airways' domestic and international flights in Australia and New Zealand (JQ flight codes), as well as those operated by Jetstar Japan (GK flight codes), remain unaffected. Jetstar Airways will continue to fly from Australia to Asia and its popular destinations, including Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan, and South Korea. What happens to my existing flight ticket? Customers with existing bookings on flights after July 31 will be offered full cash refunds. The Group has also stated that it will look to reaccommodate customers onto other airlines where possible. What about my Jetstar vouchers? Similarly, those with Jetstar vouchers still valid after Jetstar Asia's closure on June 11 will be contacted in August for cash refunds. What are the alternative low-cost airlines in the region? Jetstar Asia's closure is a loss for customers, who now have fewer lower-cost options in the region. Nevertheless, alternatives exist – check out Scoot, which currently flies to over 70 destinations, and AirAsia, which has tons of affordable flights to cities across Asia.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Shoppers run to Matalan for £20 vanity case that doubles as the perfect holiday hand luggage & it's cabin size approved
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MATALAN is selling a "cute" vanity case for just £20 - and it could double as the perfect hand luggage. Now that summer is finally upon us, and with temperatures set to ramp up again next week, many of us are likely making plans for a holiday. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Matalan says its new vanity case is 'your new travel bestie' Credit: Facebook/Matalan 2 The case has lots of compartments for packing and is on sale for £20 Credit: Facebook/BARGAIN LOVERS - Poundland, Home Bargains, B&M, Primark, The Range & More But finding a bag that meets the strict size guidelines of airlines can be tricky. Thankfully, Matalan has the perfect product to put travellers at ease - and it's on sale. Whether it's a sunny getaway, hen do abroad or a work trip, the Hardshell Vanity will hold everything you need for a short time away. In classic cream and tan colours, the small case is built with a durable hardshell exterior which offers extra protection for your belongings while remaining lightweight for easy handling. It has wheels for easy transport, separate compartments for easy packing and measures 36.5 x 17 x 27cm. This makes it ideal for EasyJet customers, with their under-seat cabin bag's maximum dimensions being 45x36x20cm, including handles and wheels. The airline claims this size allows you to 'bring all the essentials for a short trip' - but Pia decided to see if this was true for her. And if it's a UK staycation you're heading away for, the vanity case also has a space expansion meaning you can enjoy up to 25% extra packing space. Posting on the BARGAIN LOVERS - Poundland, Home Bargains, B&M, Primark, The Range & More Facebook page, which boasts 843,000 members, one savvy shopper said: "Picked up this lovely travel vanity case from Matalan, £20 was £25 but there is 20% off. "It also comes with a strap, and a mirror and has lots of inside pockets and slots to slot your products into." Primark launches new range of cabin bags on wheels - they're approved by all budget airlines & there's matching carry-ons too Other bargain hunters are just as impressed as one gushed: "I've got one they are fab." "I need one", cried a second. A third echoed: "Need a trip to matalan now then." "How cute", chimed in a fourth. Meanwhile, someone else suggested: "For our holibobs?" Holiday packing tips Jemma Solomon, aka The Label Lady has got 5 packing tips to help you get organised for your next holiday. 1. Write a list Think about all the essentials you need to take with you; suncream, medicine, a few games for the kids, beach towels, and write everything in one list, which you can tick off as you add it to your suitcase. Or for complete ease, try Google's AI app - Gemini - which will create a list for you and help you not over pack. 2. Involve your kids Jemma said: 'My girls are getting older, they're 11 and nine, and they enjoy helping to pack. So I send them a list, and say 'this is what you need' and they follow the list. 'And then I give them a rucksack each - and say to them 'you can have whatever you want in there as long as it's not liquid', and they can take that on the plane. And that's their 'home away from home' items.' 3. Try a hack or two She said: "I think they all work, but for different reasons - and you've just got to pick the right one for your trip. "Rolling your clothes is really good to stop your clothes from getting creases. And if you're trying to get a lot of items into your case, it's a space saver. 'Packing cubes are great - for example, I'm going on holiday with my three kids and we're all using the same suitcase for our clothes. "These handy compartments let you separate your clothes, toiletries and tech into designated cubes, maximising luggage space by keeping your items compressed and neatly stacked. "I love taking them abroad with the family and it means my kids can easily take charge of their own items once we've arrived." 4. Decant beauty products Do you really need to take full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner with you? The beauty industry has evolved so much, you can now buy shampoo bars or sheets - which are much lighter and smaller. Or, if you'll be popping to the shops when you're abroad, consider buying some items when you arrive. 5. Get organised before you come home Jemma said: 'When you repack on holiday [before coming home], the trick is to separate clean from dirty clothes. 'Also pack it in some form of order - so lights, darks, colours for items that need washing, or if you wash your clothes by person in the household, piles for each person. "Then you can put it straight into the washing machine. Do it straight away, don't leave it." Unfortunately, the Matalan case is too big for Ryanair's underseat baggage dimensions (40x20x25cm). But Primark is selling an underseat bag which has racked up a legion of fans, and measures 40x20x25cm, when its wheels are removed, meaning it's fully compliant with the budget airline. The wheels are 'easy click', so they can be detached in seconds on the plane if you need. The hardshell suitcase also includes a handy bag for storing the wheels during the flight, and has a number of different zipped compartments to make packing easier. The bags also won't break the bank, costing just £25 each and saving you having to pay for any luggage on the flight.
