PSNI in holiday scam warning as NI folk conned out of more than £150,000

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wilson

The PSNI has urged anyone booking holidays this year to watch out for scammers.

It comes as new figures show 89 reports of holiday fraud were made to police last year, amounting to a total reported loss of £155,245.

Police say the figures, released by Action Fraud, show how important it is for people to stop and take the time to do their research, check that who they’re dealing with is legitimate and that if they are targeted by a fraudster to report it.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wilson from the PSNI’s Economic Crime Unit said: “It’s natural people want to get a good deal when booking a holiday but what can seem as a bargain holiday, or a good deal online, is all too often the start of a scam.

“These scams will not only leave people out of pocket, but also scupper their holiday plans.”

The public is advised to do the following:

• Stop, never pay by bank transfer – the safest way to pay is by credit card and, where at all possible, avoid paying by bank transfer to someone you do not know or have not met in person.
• Check, do your research. Don’t rely on just one website or review. If it’s a fake, there’s a good chance others will write about their experience and some basic internet research will find it. Look for the logo, check to see if the company is a member of Abta and, if you’re booking a flight, check to see it’s approved by Atol.
• Report – If you have lost money in this way, or any type of fraud, report it to police on 101, to your bank immediately, online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.

Information and advice is also available at http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni or the ScamwiseNI Facebook page @scamwiseni

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