5 tips to avoid holiday scams as Brits hit by scams lose an average of £1,168

Airbnb and GetSafeOnline have shared top tips to avoid getting caught by holiday scams as new research reveals which Britons are most vulnerable

Gen Z travelers fall for vacation scams far more often than baby boomers, despite their reputation for computer skills.

A staggering 41% of Britons have either been directly affected by fraud or know someone who has been affected, with victims losing an average of £1,168.

Behind stolen credit card details and phishing, holiday scams are the most common type of scam.

A fifth of Gen Z Britons – born between 1997 and 2012 – know someone who has been scammed or have been scammed themselves by a holiday scam, compared to 3% of Baby Boomers.

Data was compiled by Airbnb and GetSafeOnline ahead of the summer vacation season in full swing.

Have you been the victim of a scam? Would you like to share your story? Email to webtravel@trinitymirror.com

Amanda Cupples, Airbnb’s general manager for the UK and Northern Europe, said: “With the significant demand for travel post restrictions lifting, we want to make sure these are memorable trips – but for the right reasons.

“Airbnb uses sophisticated defenses to keep bad actors off the platform, but it’s still possible to get caught by scammers, which is why our work with Get Safe Online to empower people with the tools they need to keep their money safe to keep is important. ”

The companies have compiled a list of dos and don’ts to protect yourself when booking a holiday online.

1. Beware of fake emails, websites, texts and social media posts : Never click on links you are not expecting. These types of communications, which can have an urgent tone, can lead you to seemingly authentic but fake websites that either collect your personal information or infect your device with malicious software.
2. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is: If you find an accommodation on a third party website like a social media platform – especially if the deal or offer seems too good to be true – it could be a scammer. They can encourage you to pay through a direct method like a bank transfer or through a fake website.
3. Don’t rush things and take the time to carefully review the details: Scammers may try to trick you into booking quickly. Before you book a place to stay, read the hosts’ profiles and listings carefully, and see reviews and ratings from other guests. You can also contact the host to ask questions before booking using Airbnb’s secure messaging tool.
4. Protect your account: Use a different password than on other platforms and email accounts.
5. Don’t give anyone a safety pin : Only enter the security PIN via the website or app.