Some 6,640 reports of fraud were made to Action Fraud in 2023, costing victims a combined £12.3 million at an average cost of £1,851pp.
New data from the fraud and cyber crime reporting service revealed the summer months were the worst for new cases, with 804 reports made in July and 781 in August.
“We want to avoid people losing their hard-earned money and help raise awareness of the signs of holiday fraud,” said Action Fraud head Pauline Smith. “Remember – stay alert online and be wise to fraudsters.”
Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer has thrown the association’s weight behind a new Action Fraud awareness campaign, urging consumers to book their holidays with Abta members.
He warned agents and travel suppliers: “Fraudsters are using increasingly sophisticated methods to target consumers, with a particular focus on destinations and times of year when demand is high and availability limited, as they know people will be looking for good deals.”