PACKAGE HOLIDAY FRAUD Including Hajj fraud
A common fraud surrounding booking a package holiday involves being asked to pay in cash or make a direct bank transfer prior to a trip overseas. The customer is told that he or she will receive their tickets and travel documents nearer to the departure date. As the time to travel draws closer, however, no tickets arrive and the customer realises that they have fallen victim to a crime. In recent years a growing number of people have fallen victim in this way to Hajj fraud, with many losing thousands of pounds on planned trips to Mecca.
How to protect against holiday fraud
Check that the payment pages are secure by looking for a padlock symbol in the address bar, and making sure the website address begins with ‘https’.
If the worst happens and you find that you are a victim of ticket fraud, always report the matter to Action Fraud via its web site at
www.actionfraud.police.uk
• Do your research. Don’t book without carrying out some basic checks on your travel company.
• Avoid any travel firm or website that is not a member of a recognised trade body such as ABTA.
• If you are booking a flight based package, make sure that your travel company is ATOL (Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing) protected by the Civil Aviation Authority.
• Make sure that you have payment and travel details in writing.
• Never pay the travel company by cash or direct bank transfer into an individual’s account.
• If you are booking for Hajj, check whether your travel agent/tour operator is accredited by the Saudi Embassy.
While Abroad
To help prevent fraud problems while you are abroad, inform your bank and credit card issuer(s) of your destination and departure dates. In case of emergency, keep a separate note of the telephone number provided on the back of your debit card, on your statement or online.
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