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Extra.ie
7 hours ago
- Business
- Extra.ie
Holidaymakers warned as fraudsters 'ramp up' summer scams
Irish holidaymakers are being urged to be on high alert when it comes to booking their trips away this summer with last minute travel deals an easy way for scammers to catch people out. It can be easy to get swept up in the madness of booking holidays and being won over by limited time offers at discounted prices, but many fraudsters use these tactics to target consumers. Those booking holidays this summer are being warned to be vigilant when following websites, adverts and links online. Irish holidaymakers are being urged to be on high alert when it comes to booking their trips away this summer with last minute travel deals an easy way for scammers to catch people out. Pic: Getty Images Head of Financial Crime at BPFI (Banking & Payments Federation Ireland) Niamh Davenport confirmed that fraudsters were 'ramping up activity' in order to take advantage of unsuspecting holidaymakers. Ms Davenport is also the lead for the FraudSMART campaign, a fraud awareness initiative developed by BPFI in conjunction with AIB, Bank of Ireland, Permanent TSB, Ulster Bank, An Post Money and Barclays. She said: 'Travel scams can be incredibly convincing and often appear on fake and copycat websites featuring logos and layouts that closely mimic well-known brands. Head of Financial Crime at BPFI (Banking & Payments Federation Ireland) Niamh Davenport confirmed that fraudsters were 'ramping up activity' in order to take advantage of unsuspecting holidaymakers. Pic: Shutterstock 'The scams are targeted at consumers through online adverts and social media posts, often imitating legitimate travel companies or well-known booking platforms.' Ms Davenport added that often the link or website will disappear following payment being made by the consumer. 'Some victims may even receive a fake booking confirmation and only discover the scam after they have travelled to the destination and find the accommodation doesn't exist when they arrive,' Ms Davenport added. 'Some victims may even receive a fake booking confirmation and only discover the scam after they have travelled to the destination and find the accommodation doesn't exist when they arrive,' Ms Davenport added. Pic: Getty Images The red flags that consumers should look out for include being asked to pay via bank transfer or being pressurised. 'It's important to take a moment and double check the offer is authentic by visiting the official website of the travel company directly rather than clicking on a link in an email or advert,' she advised. 'Our Scamchecker tool also provides consumers with a free and simple way to verify the legitimacy of a website or link before making a booking.' Others tips and tricks to safeguard against travel scams this summer include using a secure WiFi; keeping a record of your order and purchase details and ensuring your computer's security is up to date with reliable anti-virus and browser software. FraudSMART aims to raise consumer and business awareness of the latest financial fraud activity and trends and provide simple and impartial advice on how best they can protect themselves and their resources.
Irish Independent
18 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Irish holidaymakers warned to be on ‘high alert' as travel scams through online adverts on the rise
Consumers have been urged to look out for fraudsters targeting people with 'limited time offers' and 'last-minute travel deals'. These scams often appear through 'highly convincing' fake websites, online adverts and social media links. The warning was issued by FraudSmart, the awareness initiative led by the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI). FraudSmart's head of financial crime Niamh Davenport said fraudsters 'are ramping up activity to take advantage of holidaymakers' now the summer season has arrived. 'Travel scams can be incredibly convincing and often appear on fake and copycat websites featuring logos and layouts that closely mimic well-known brands,' she said. 'The scams are targeted at consumers through online adverts and social media posts, often imitating legitimate travel companies or well-known booking platforms. 'However, once payment is made — often by bank transfer — the website or link disappears, leaving victims without a booking and out of pocket. 'Some victims may even receive a fake booking confirmation and only discover the scam after they have travelled to the destination and find the accommodation doesn't exist when they arrive.' Ms Davenport said there are 'red flags' for consumers to look out for, including being asked to pay for a booking via bank transfer or being put under pressure to act quickly. She said taking a moment before paying 'can make the difference between the holiday of a lifetime or a holiday disaster'. 'Importantly, don't be afraid to ask for help if something does go wrong. We would all like to believe that we'd spot a scam if we saw one, but the reality is that these scams can be very deceptive,' Ms Davenport added. 'If you think you have fallen victim to a travel scam, contact your bank immediately using the number on the back of your debit or credit card and report the incident to the Gardaí." FraudSmart has issued a number of tips to safeguard against travel scams this summer, including using 'trusted and well-known booking website or travel agents'. Consumers can also use FraudSmart's online Scamchecker tool to verify whether a website or link is legitimate. Unexpected offers claiming to offer cheap holiday deals, including unsolicited emails or social media ads, should be verified by visiting the travel company's official website instead of clicking on links in emails or ads.
