Many Britons will be excited about their Christmas travels, whether they’re embracing the cold and heading to the slopes or jetting away for sun, sea and sand. But those booking a holiday should be vigilant against travel scams – getting caught out is easier than you might think.

According to Action Fraud, National Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting Centre, holiday fraud is “when you’ve paid a travel agent or agency, or someone offering short-term lodging for rent online, and find out that the holiday you’ve booked (or parts of it) doesn’t exist”.

More than £15.3 million was stolen from Britons last financial year in travel-related stings.

Action Fraud has provided a guide for holidaymakers so they don’t come under threat from scammers.

To protect yourself against scams, do not reply to unsolicited emails, texts, social media or calls with holiday offers.

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These may include links that could lead you to malicious websites or download viruses onto your device.

Next up, make sure you always go with a reputable airline, hotel or travel agent. Check whether your agent is a member of the Association of British Travel Agents.

If you do choose to deal directly with a property owner or letting agent, ask them plenty of questions about the booking, room, location and area.

Be cautious when asked to pay via cash or bank transfer – it’s always best to pay with credit or debit card if you can.

Scammers can be very clever, so it’s important to be aware of warning signs.

Someone might be trying to make you the victim of holiday fraud if you’re contacted randomly by a travel agent or company you’ve never spoken to before, offering a holiday at a very low price.

Be careful if you feel that the details, pictures or address of the property or hotel on offer look suspicious, or if independent website reviews aren’t complimentary or don’t exist.

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When searching, avoid websites that don’t have a padlock icon (https) in the address bar.

While fraudsters can be very clever with their scams, there are a few signs you can watch out for to avoid coming into trouble.

If you’re contacted randomly by a travel agent or company you’ve never spoken to before – offering a holiday at a very low price – alarm bells should start to ring.

When you’re looking at a potential booking, if the details, pictures or address of the property or hotel look suspicious, be extra careful. Be aware if independent website reviews aren’t favourable or don’t exist.

Another possible sign of holiday fraud is if you’re being asked to pay with cash or bank transfer. For extra protection, use your credit or debit card.

If scammers ask you to transfer via MoneyWise or Western Union, this can be difficult to trace and non-refundable.

Action Fraud said: “Fraudsters use fake online adverts, bogus sales calls, emails and text messages offering incredibly cheap rates to tempt you in to booking a holiday with them.”

After paying for the supposed holiday, a scammer might end contact with you completely. You might get to the airport or hotel to find your holiday does not exist, or at least parts of the holiday.

Report holiday fraud to Action Fraud online or call 0300 123 2040. If the fraudulent party is a member of the Association of British Travel Agents, report to them too.

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