Holiday and ticket scams on the rise, warns Skegness PCSO
Holiday and ticket scams are on the rise, and Skegness residents are being urged to stay alert, according to local PCSO Dave Bunker.
Scammers are increasingly targeting people booking holidays online. They may advertise hotel rooms or holiday rentals that don’t exist, or claim a property is available when it’s already booked. Victims often only realise something is wrong when they arrive at their destination — by which time the fraudster has vanished.
PCSO Bunker warns that fraudsters may ask for payment by direct bank transfer instead of going through the booking website, sometimes offering discounts to tempt victims. “Don’t be tempted,” he says. “Always check the property yourself, call the owner, and verify any credentials with legitimate trade bodies like ABTA.” He also suggests using Google Images to see if the property photos appear elsewhere.
Ticket scams are also a growing problem. Scammers may sell tickets for concerts, festivals, football matches or plays that either don’t exist or are invalid. Sometimes they promise to meet buyers at the venue but then fail to show up.
Tips for avoiding ticket scams include paying with a credit card, buying only from the promoter, venue box office, reputable ticket exchanges, or verified official agents. Websites showing the STAR logo should be checked directly with the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers to ensure authenticity.
PCSO Bunker encourages anyone affected by scams — or wanting advice — to visit Report Fraud, the UK’s national cybercrime and fraud reporting service. For more guidance, the Little Book of Big Scams, produced by the Metropolitan Police, is also recommended.
“Stay vigilant and do your homework before handing over money,” he advises. “A few minutes of checking can save you a lot of stress — and your hard-earned cash.”
Download The Little Book of Big Scams here.