I am a travel expert - these 5 common summer travel scams could cost you thousands

Daily Mail​

02-06-2025

As holiday booking season reaches peak fever, many Brits are on the hunt for the best travel bargains.
But a travel expert has warned keen holidaymakers to watch out for several scams that could leave you several thousands out of pocket.
Thanasis Mougious, travel expert at Kinglike Concierge, has shared five scams that could catch out tourists.
Fake e-tickets and lookalike airline sites
Thanasis explains that these scams usually involve fake webpages which are designed to steal payment details or trick travellers.
He says: 'Only book flights through official airline websites or trusted platforms like Expedia, Kayak or Skyscanner.
'Be cautious with third-party resellers unless they're well-known and accredited. Watch for red flags in emails such as generic greetings, incorrect domains or urgent language are common in phishing attempts.
'Always check the sender's email address, and verify confirmations by logging into the airline's official site or contacting their customer service directly.'
Fake travel agents
The expert warns that scammers can even create fake websites or mimic legitimate travel agencies.
Thanasis advises customers to always verify their travel agent's details through trusted industry bodies, such as ABTA.
How can holidaymakers spot a fake agent?
Thanasis says: 'Legitimate agents provide contracts, transparent cancellation policies, and don't pressure you into quick, non-refundable payments via cash apps, wire transfers, or gift cards.
'If an agency lacks online reviews, a physical address, or a customer service line, it's likely a scam.'
The 'free cruise' trap
Thanasis says many scammers 'have clocked on to the sudden interest in cruise vacations' and used it to target 'budding travellers'.
He warns: 'Be careful of unsolicited cruise offers, especially those claiming you've "won" a trip or an "exclusive invite" as reputable cruise lines don't operate this way.'
Thanasis urges travellers to 'always verify cruise details directly with the official company by cross-checking ship names, itineraries and departure dates.'
Before making any payment, the travel expert explains it's important to receive a 'written contract that clearly outlines all fees, taxes, port changes and cancellation policies.'
Timeshare scams and high-pressure sales
Victims of this scam are often 'lured into fraudulent timeshare deals or bogus resale offers' that promise 'luxury vacations, exclusive perks and high-end amenities', says Thanasis.
He explains that these scams often look 'legitimate' and have 'polished marketing materials'.
'Many scams hinge on verbal promises that never make it into the actual agreement,' says Thanasis.
He advises: 'Do your homework by researching the developer, location and customer reviews on platforms.'
Fake vacation homes and cloned hotel listings
Thanasis says: 'To avoid accommodation scams, always book through trusted platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, or the hotel's official site, and stick to their built-in messaging and payment systems.'
If a seller encourages you to pay them money outside the platform, never do it warns Thanasis.
'If someone asks [for that] it's a major red flag and likely a scam,' he says.
And the golden rule?
Thanasis says: 'If it feels too good to be true, it usually is.'