Caravan scams and bogus refunds: Warning as criminals target UK holidaymakers looking for staycations

The prime minister’s announcement that hotels, caravan parks and campsites can reopen from 4 July has kicked summer holiday planning into high gear, but vacationers have been warned to be cautious of scammers advertising fake listings and bogus offers.

UK Finance said criminals are taking advantage of people eager to go on a “staycation” within the UK and have been putting up fake adverts for caravans and motor homes on auction websites.

The scammers are also using uncertainty around travel restrictions and cancellations lingering from the coronavirus crisis to commit fraud, said the trade association. They have impersonated trusted institutions such as airlines, travel agencies and banks in attempts to trick consumers.

Victims could be targeted by scam emails, telephone calls, fake websites and posts on social media and auction websites.

UK Finance is reminding consumers to follow the advice of the Take Five To Stop Fraud campaign, which encourages people to pause and think before giving up their money or information in case they are falling into a trap.

Katy Worobec, managing director of economic crime at UK Finance, said: “Criminals will exploit the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on people’s holiday plans to commit fraud, whether it’s advertising fake listings for caravans or pretending to offer refunds for cancelled flights.

“The banking and finance industry is working closely with law enforcement to crack down on these cruel scams, but we need others to play their part too. It’s important that auction websites and social platforms take swift action to remove fraudulent posts and listings being used to promote holiday scams.

“We would urge customers to also be on the lookout for scams and follow the advice of the Take Five To Stop Fraud campaign. Always be wary of any requests to pay by bank transfer when buying goods or services online and instead use the secure payment options recommended by reputable websites.

“It’s also important to question any emails, phone calls or social media posts offering refunds for cancelled holidays and not to click on links or attachments in case it’s a scam. Instead, contact organisations directly to confirm requests using a known email or phone number such as the one on their official website,” she added.

Criminals place fake listings for caravans and motor homes on auction websites, citing lockdown restrictions as the reason why vehicles cannot be viewed in person. Vehicles are advertised at attractive prices but do not really exist or do not arrive after they are paid for.

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If you are unable to see the vehicle in person, ask to see it via a video call. UK Finance also advises using secure payment methods rather than requests to pay by bank transfer.

Using a credit card when making purchases over £100 and up to £30,000 will give you added protections under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act if something goes wrong with the purchase.

Another scam that may occur is criminals exploiting customers who have applied for refunds for cancelled flights or holidays by sending phishing emails or making spoof calls that appear to come from a legitimate company.

They may also advertise social media posts claiming to offer refunds from airlines, travel providers or banks. Often, these emails and posts will include links leading to fake websites used to steal personal and financial information that can infect a victim’s device with malware.

Consumers are reminded to question uninvited approaches and contact organisations directly to confirm requests using a known email or phone number.

Cheap travel deals and offers that appear too good to be true are often just that – criminals set up convincing and professional websites that may look similar to a genuine organisation, but subtle changes in the URL may indicate it is fraudulent.

The luxury villas and apartments offered on fake websites do not exist and are offered for rent at discounted prices, with the requirement of leaving a deposit that is never returned to the victim.

If something is advertised at a rock-bottom price, ask yourself why and research the website to check if it is legitimate. Access the website you are purchasing from by typing it into the web browser and avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails, advised UK Finance.