Imagine this: you’ve just stepped off a long flight or finished a tiring car journey, excited to start your holiday. You’ve spent weeks planning, researching, and saving up – and now, all that’s left to do is check in, drop your bags, and relax.
But when you arrive at the address of your accommodation, something’s not right. The place looks nothing like the photos – or worse, it doesn’t exist at all.
Unfortunately, this is the reality for a growing number of holidaymakers. As excitement builds ahead of a trip, scammers are ready to take advantage, using fake listings on reputable booking sites to con unsuspecting travellers out of hundreds – sometimes thousands – of pounds.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common holiday accommodation scams, how to spot the warning signs, and what steps to take if you find yourself caught out.
Key signs of a fake listing
Online booking platforms like Airbnb and Holiday Lettings offer a convenient way to find reasonably priced holiday accommodation. The vast majority of listings are legitimate, but unfortunately, scammers have found ways to exploit the popularity of these trusted websites – often creating fake listings that look entirely genuine, luring people in with luxury getaways at prices that seem too good to be true.
Here are some of the most common red flags to watch out for:
1. Lookalike websites
Some scammers go as far as cloning official websites. Always double-check URLs – for instance, Airbnb’s official UK website is www.airbnb.co.uk and Booking.com’s is www.booking.com. Scammers may use domain names that look similar at a glance but are completely unrelated – such as airbnb[.]ld83528[.]ru or SecurePropertyCheck[.]com.
2. Deals that are too good to be true
Scammers often tempt travellers with exceptionally low prices on high-end properties. If the offer looks suspiciously generous compared to similar listings, proceed with caution.
3. High-pressure tactics
Fraudsters may create a false sense of urgency, sending multiple messages or imposing time limits to push you into making a quick decision. It could be that a deal is “ending soon” and you “must book now”. Trust your instincts – if something feels off, take a step back.
4. Communcation outside the platform
Reputable booking sites restrict direct contact between guests and hosts until a booking is confirmed – and for good reason. Be wary of any listing that includes a host’s email address or phone number. This could be a sign that someone is trying to bypass the platform’s security features.
5. Paying outside the official site
Always make payments through the booking site’s secure system. If you’re asked to pay via bank transfer or through a third-party platform, it’s a major warning sign. Not only are these transactions harder to trace, but they also offer far less protection if something goes wrong.
Top tips for staying safe from holiday scams
Accommodation scams can be surprisingly sophisticated, and even savvy travellers can get caught out. If anything seems unusual, it’s best not to proceed.
Check the reviews carefully – Pay attention to both positive and negative reviews, and make sure you’re reading the most recent ones, not just those highlighted by the platform.
Don’t click on links in unsolicited emails – If you’re prompted to log in to your account, do so via the official website, not through a link. A genuine message will also appear in your account’s message centre.
Never pay by bank transfer – Use the platform’s official payment system and, where possible, a credit card. This gives you extra protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
Be cautious of follow-up messages asking for more information – Reputable platforms like Booking.com will never ask you to confirm or update payment details via email, text or phone call.
Report anything suspicious – If you come across a suspicious listing, report it to the platform and to Action Fraud. If you’re in Scotland, contact Police Scotland on 101.
Travel insurance: your holiday safety net
A few simple precautions can help you avoid the stress – and cost – of falling victim to a holiday scam. By staying vigilant and booking carefully, you can focus on what matters most: enjoying your well-earned break.
Even with the best preparation, unexpected events can still happen while you’re away, from accommodation scams and cancelled flights to lost luggage or medical emergencies. That’s where travel insurance comes in. A good policy can offer financial protection and practical support when things don’t go to plan, giving you peace of mind to enjoy your holiday.
At Howden, we’re here to help you find travel insurance that suits your needs, whether you’re heading off for a relaxing beach break, a family adventure, or a business trip. And if something does go wrong during your travels, you can count on us to be in your corner, helping you navigate the claims process and get the support you need.
Sources: Which?, Money Saving Expert, Action Fraud
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This is a marketing blog by Howden Insurance.