Latest news with #travelScam
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Warning over travel scam catching tourists out ahead of European visa rule change
A NEW travel scam is catching tourists out ahead of the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) introduction. Scammers are targeting travellers with fake websites mimicking official application portals and attempting to steal personal data and money, while ETIAS is not yet available. 2 The scammers are creating fake websites that look like official ETIAS application portals with the aim of getting individuals' passport details, personal information and even payment information. Many of the sites charge extra fees for a service that actually doesn't exist yet or for services that are already available on the official ETIAS platform. Some sites guarantee instant approval - which actually is not the case with ETIAS, as applications have to go through security checks. They are also spreading misinformation about ETIAS, creating further confusion and causing travellers to panic and apply through different unofficial channels. In addition, scammers can manipulate search engine rankings, which means their websites often appear higher up when travellers search, compared to official channels. According to ABTA warns: "People who try to apply for an ETIAS now may be at risk of fraud. "There's a risk of losing money and possibly personal data too." How ETIAS will work when it arrives passport nears expiration. Travellers will need to share personal details, travel history and reasons for visiting Europe. It will allow short-term stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across Schengen countries. [bc_video account_id="5067014667001" application_id="" aspect_ratio="16:9" autoplay="" caption="Insider tips to avoid tourist traps and scams on your next holiday " embed="in-page" experience_id="" height="100%" language_detection="" max_height="360px" max_width="640px" min_width="0px" mute="" padding_top="56%" picture_in_picture="" player_id="default" playlist_id="" playsinline="" sizing="responsive" video_id="6350521755112" video_ids="" width="640px"] Only people aged between 18 and 70 will need to pay the fee. Anyone younger or older must still apply, but will not be charged. Applications MUST be done through the EU's official website - ' However, there is no rush to apply year. Travellers from the UK can still enter EU countries without an ETIAS. warns to avoid scams, travellers should: Ignore unsolicited emails or ads promoting ETIAS. Avoid unofficial travel websites that charge high fees or request unusual personal details. Bookmark and use the official EU site once ETIAS becomes active. Report suspicious activity to travel authorities or consumer protection agencies. The website adds: "As new travel authorisation systems like the UK's ETA and the EU's upcoming ETIAS reshape border entry rules, clarity and caution are more important than ever. "While only European visitors to the UK currently need to act, travelers to Europe should remain alert — not to red tape, but to rising scams exploiting the confusion. "The ETIAS system won't go live until late 2026, yet fraudulent websites already prey on unaware travellers. "As change looms, one constant remains: informed travel is safer travel. Bookmark official sources, ignore unofficial shortcuts, and keep your passport — and your data protected." No new paperwork is required for this summer or autumn and officials have stressed that no action is currently needed. The official ETIAS system won't actually be live until late 2026. One in five Brits also book holiday based on 'fake' reviews – but can you spot hidden imposter in the pictures? Plus, travel expert warns of scary holiday scam which could see you out of pocket and out on the street. 2
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Schengen visa scam in UAE: Fake travel agents charging Dh4,000, experts warn
With the summer travel season in full swing, UAE residents are being warned about fraudulent travel agents charging thousands of dirhams per person for Schengen visa appointments and disappearing without delivering. Faisal M., a resident of Dubai Marina, had planned a summer getaway to the Netherlands, Spain, and Austria with his wife. He ended up paying Dh4,000 per visa to a travel agent who claimed to have guaranteed appointments in early May. 'I received a call from a travel agent asking if I was looking for a Schengen visa. When I showed interest, he explained the charges, which I agreed to,' said Faisal. 'But on the day of the appointment, he asked me to meet him near Wafi Mall.' Faisal said he waited nearly five hours, but the agent never showed up. 'When I called him, he kept delaying and eventually stopped answering my calls,' he added. Over the next few days, the agent kept insisting that the application was under process. Faisal eventually tracked down the agent and convinced him to meet near the Mall of the Emirates. 'I convinced him to meet me before the rescheduled appointment on May 7. I drove him straight to Barsha Police Station and told him to return my money or I would file a complaint,' he said. 'After two hours of argument, he returned Dh5,000. I have his Emirates ID photo and his residence address as a precaution.' Nirmal Rathod, a businessman and distributor of dairy products, escaped a similar scam. He was about to pay Dh3,500 to a travel agent but decided to verify through his trusted agent first. 'I was planning to attend a food and agriculture exhibition in the Netherlands next month. My regular travel agent said he would try, but after a week, he confirmed it wasn't possible,' said Rathod. A few days later, Rathod received a call from someone offering an appointment slot for an extra fee. 'He convinced me, but I still checked with my agent. That's when I was told about the scams happening in the market. I chose not to proceed and skipped the exhibition this year,' he added. Apply through verified sources Travel agents are urging residents to apply for the visa through verified sources. 'Schengen countries are some of the most in-demand destinations,' said Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism. 'Due to high demand, appointment availability is extremely limited. And it's not just tourists, many business professionals are also willing to pay a premium for visa slots.' 'Always ensure the travel agency has a landline, is registered in Dubai, and has a functional website. Avoid transferring money online to individuals or unverifiable agents. If you must pay, visit the agency in person,' said Subair. Visa facilitation company VFS Global confirmed that the summer season has seen unprecedented demand for international travel, creating a gap between demand and appointment availability. 'We consistently urge travelers to plan ahead to avoid last-minute issues,' VFS Global told Khaleej Times in a statement. 'Appointments and visa processing timelines are determined solely by the respective embassy or consulate.' They highlighted that the appointment slots are available free of charge on their official website and warned applicants not to pay third-party agents offering guaranteed slots or appointments. 'We urge applicants to beware of fraudulent third-party entities who offer appointment slots or guaranteed visas in exchange for a fee,' the statement added. 'We regularly run public service messages across all customer touchpoints to alert applicants against misrepresentation.'
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Holidaymakers told to beware buying Avios points on Facebook after scams
Holidaymakers hoping to use frequent flyer points to reduce the cost of their holiday have been warned to beware of fraudsters claiming to sell them on third-party websites. In a case that highlights the dangers of buying points through unofficial channels, a young couple were left hundreds of pounds out of pocket after they were defrauded by a scammer who claimed to be selling them British Airways loyalty points. Nigel Turner*, a small business owner, believed he was buying Avios points from someone on a Facebook group when he was planning a trip to Corfu for the end of this month. Turner paid £200 for 60,000 Avios points that he thought would contribute towards two business class flights for the 10-day break. Without the points, the flights cost £1,300. But after the points had been transferred and he booked the tickets, it emerged that they did not belong to the seller. Turner was told by BA that the points had been 'fraudulently obtained'. He was left with a non-refundable hotel booking and airport transfers worth £700. 'Both of us are self-employed so this has hit us hard, financially and emotionally,' he said. 'It's heartbreaking to tell someone you love that the holiday you both looked forward to for months is gone.' He added: 'We would have never flown business class, to be honest, without seeing this. It was just a cool thing which we thought we could do and it would cost the same amount as a normal flight.' Turner paid of the points using a bank transfer, and they were transferred to his Avios account. But then BA contacted him and said the points had been fraudulently obtained and removed them from him. The airline said it knew Turner had nothing to do with the fraud, and refunded the additional legitimate Avios he used towards the flight. 'Scams like this can still happen even when you think you've protected yourself. I had the points in my account before paying – and I still got scammed,' he said. 'If it's happening in one Facebook group with 75,000 members, you can bet it's happening in others too.' Up to 60,000 Avios points can be transferred legitimately between people on the airline's website for an admin fee of £50. BA said in a statement that the sale of the points had violated its terms and conditions as selling or buying 'via outside sources' was forbidden. It added that the stolen Avios points had been restored to the person who they belonged to. Turner said the person who sold him the fraudulent points had deleted his Facebook account. New rules requiring banks and other payment companies to reimburse fraud victims who have been tricked into sending money to scammers took effect last October. Turner has now been refunded the £200 he paid. * Names have been changed Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Guardian
24-05-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Holidaymakers told to beware buying Avios points on Facebook after scams
Holidaymakers hoping to use frequent flyer points to reduce the cost of their holiday have been warned to beware of fraudsters claiming to sell them on third-party websites. In a case that highlights the dangers of buying points through unofficial channels, a young couple were left hundreds of pounds out of pocket after they were defrauded by a scammer who claimed to be selling them British Airways loyalty points. Nigel Turner*, a small business owner, believed he was buying Avios points from someone on a Facebook group when he was planning a trip to Corfu for the end of this month. Turner paid £200 for 60,000 Avios points that he thought would contribute towards two business class flights for the 10-day break. Without the points, the flights cost £1,300. But after the points had been transferred and he booked the tickets, it emerged that they did not belong to the seller. Turner was told by BA that the points had been 'fraudulently obtained'. He was left with a non-refundable hotel booking and airport transfers worth £700. 'Both of us are self-employed so this has hit us hard, financially and emotionally,' he said. 'It's heartbreaking to tell someone you love that the holiday you both looked forward to for months is gone.' He added: 'We would have never flown business class, to be honest, without seeing this. It was just a cool thing which we thought we could do and it would cost the same amount as a normal flight.' Turner paid of the points using a bank transfer, and they were transferred to his Avios account. But then BA contacted him and said the points had been fraudulently obtained and removed them from him. The airline said it knew Turner had nothing to do with the fraud, and refunded the additional legitimate Avios he used towards the flight. 'Scams like this can still happen even when you think you've protected yourself. I had the points in my account before paying – and I still got scammed,' he said. 'If it's happening in one Facebook group with 75,000 members, you can bet it's happening in others too.' Up to 60,000 Avios points can be transferred legitimately between people on the airline's website for an admin fee of £50. BA said in a statement that the sale of the points had violated its terms and conditions as selling or buying 'via outside sources' was forbidden. It added that the stolen Avios points had been restored to the person who they belonged to. Turner said the person who sold him the fraudulent points had deleted his Facebook account. New rules requiring banks and other payment companies to reimburse fraud victims who have been tricked into sending money to scammers took effect last October. Turner has now been refunded the £200 he paid. * Names have been changed
