Surging travel scams

Travellers heading on European summer holidays need to be wary of popular tourist scams that are sweeping the continent.  

In June 2024 data showed a 500 to 900% increase in travel scams in the previous 18 months, with a rise in phishing since the arrival of AI tools such as ChatGPT.*

In 2024 UK citizens took an average of 3.94 holidays a year, up from 3.42 the previous year, holidays are important and being prepared in advance for popular tourist scams should help travellers relax and enjoy their adventure.

CompareNI.com has warned people to be alert to the rising volume of scams, offering tips for tourists, from booking trips safely to avoiding popular tourist tricks when they reach their destination.  

As the summer is usually packed with sporting events and music concerts and festivals across Europe, travellers need to be prepared.

Before travelling, the experts say it is crucial to brush up on the emergency contacts of their destination, including any special tourist police lines.  The Foreign Office offer advice about checking entry requirements, safety and security, health risks and legal differences.

It’s also crucial to read the reviews of the area intended for travel and make sure any third-party dealings are through a reputable company.  The scam can happen anywhere, and holidaymakers must be alert to various conditions such as an overpriced car rental / parking, pretend tour guides and even souvenir sellers.

In 2025, a travel scam can take many different forms.  Our travel insurance experts at CompareNI.com have compiled a list of the top scams to be on the look-out for.

Top scams to be wary of

Digital Pickpocketing.  This is a theft where criminals steal personal information without any physical contact. The thieves use an RFID reader which captures data wirelessly to target bank cards in close proximity, such as on trains or large queues for attractions.

Website booking scams.  These include fake online adverts, sales calls, emails, texts, with websites offering extra cheap holidays or trips that won’t happen.

Tourists charges. A cheaper menu may exist for the locals. There may also be an extra charge added on to eat outside that diners are unaware of. Also, when taking a taxi, make sure it is a licensed one and agree the fare beforehand.

Tampered ATMs. A skimming device can be attached to the ATM but can appear normal. Use the ATM within the actual bank building if possible. An ATM may also look different abroad so be on the lookout for anything that might seem unusual.

Over friendly interactions. A thief abroad normally likes a crowded area of people and the chance to pretend to help someone. They may offer to take a photo on the travellers phone or offer to help clean something for them, the key it to be direct in the response straight off and walk away.

Fake Hotels.  If travellers are worried, they should call the accommodation directly. Check the number is listed with other sources such as websites and check reviews and hotel accreditation.

Be aware of the unexpected

Unexpected travel charges. Examine the tourist taxes in place before booking. This fee is charged by the tourist authorities to create income for tourism needs, it isn’t a scam but it can catch tourists off guard, so best to be aware in advance.

Unexpected phone charges.  Another example of extra charges could be mobile phone fees. There could be charges for using the phone or the internet while abroad. If travellers are abroad for long periods of time they could purchase a local SIM card for data access or speak to their provider and agree the roaming charges and options before they set off.

Travel insurance helps protect travellers from the unexpected, be sure to shop around for the most competitive price and add on any extras needed.  Note some gadgets and jewellery might already be covered under home insurance so there could potentially be some savings.

Holidaymakers just need to make sure they take out travel insurance as soon as they make the booking, to cover them for any incidents on the build up to their trip.

Case Study

One scam growing in particular is the sports tickets scam. The company would appear to have half-priced hospitality tickets at key sporting and sold-out events then cancel the bookings at the last minute and fail to refund the customers.

Starting with unsolicited emails to potential customers, the company targeted major events such as the Six Nations Rugby and the Formula 1 Grand Prix – offering large 50% discounts due to recent cancellations.

Finally the company would email to cancel the booking, offering alternative free tickets and refunds – but no such promise was ever fulfilled, taking more than £600,000 from unsuspecting customers.**

References:

*https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8003dd8jzeo

 **https://www.gov.uk/government/news/scam-company-which-claimed-to-sell-hospitality-packages-to-major-sporting-events-is-shut-down

This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.