Travel booking scam
Quick answer
A scammer offers cheap flights, stays, or packages and takes payment for bookings that do not exist.
- Book through reputable, verifiable providers and confirm references directly.
What it is
A scammer offers cheap flights, stays, or packages and takes payment for bookings that do not exist.
How it works
A great deal is offered with pressure to pay by transfer or off-platform, then no valid booking is provided.
Red flags to watch for
- Deals far below normal prices
- Payment by transfer or off-platform
- Pressure to book immediately
- No verifiable booking reference
Example
A deal offers a cheap holiday if you pay quickly by transfer. This is risky because the booking may not exist and transfers are hard to recover.
What not to do
- Do not pay by transfer to strangers
- Do not skip verifying the booking
The safe next step
Book through reputable, verifiable providers and confirm references directly.
Often seen on: Social media, Email, Classifieds.
Commonly targets: Travellers.
How to verify safely
- Do not use links, phone numbers, QR codes, or email addresses from the suspicious message.
- Open the official app or website yourself - type the address manually.
- Call a contact you have saved, or the number printed on your bank card.
- If you are threatened or in immediate danger, contact local emergency services or police.
How to report it
Report to the platform and your national fraud authority.
Find official links for your country in the scam reporting directory.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a travel booking scam?
A scammer offers cheap flights, stays, or packages and takes payment for bookings that do not exist.
How can I avoid a travel booking scam?
Book through reputable, verifiable providers and confirm references directly.
What should I do if I have already been affected?
Contact your bank or the relevant provider through official channels, change any exposed passwords from a trusted device, and save evidence. See our recovery guides, and be wary of recovery scams that promise to get your money back for a fee.