The 5 Travel Scams Holidaymakers Are Falling For Right Now
Planning a holiday used to mean worrying about lost luggage or delayed flights. Now, there’s another growing concern travellers need to keep in mind: scams.
Travel fraud has surged dramatically in recent months. Industry data suggests scams linked to holidays have increased by as much as 900% over the past 18 months, with scammers increasingly using sophisticated technology — including artificial intelligence — to target travellers.
In the UK alone, regulators say £11 million was lost to holiday fraud in 2024, with opportunistic scammers taking advantage of last-minute bookings, travel deals and busy tourist hotspots.
Perhaps most worrying is how common these scams have become. Research suggests around 30% of adults have either fallen victim to a travel scam themselves or know someone who has.
From street tricks in European city centres to increasingly convincing online booking fraud, travel professionals say there are several scams holidaymakers should watch out for this summer.
Here are five of the most common.
1. Fake or Unlicensed Tour Guides
In crowded tourist destinations, some scammers approach visitors offering informal guided tours of famous landmarks.
At first it may seem harmless — a friendly local offering insider knowledge — but the “tour” often ends with a demand for payment that’s far higher than expected.
To avoid this situation, it’s best to book tours and attraction tickets through official websites, museum ticket counters or accredited tour companies rather than accepting offers from people approaching you in the street.
2. The “Friendly Local” Scam
One of the more subtle scams relies on building trust.
A seemingly helpful local might offer directions, walk you to your destination or strike up a friendly conversation before eventually demanding money for their “help”.
While genuine kindness certainly exists when travelling, it’s wise to stay cautious. If you need assistance, it’s generally safer to ask staff inside shops, restaurants or hotels, or simply rely on your phone’s GPS or map apps.
3. Friendship Bracelet Tricks
If you’ve travelled in major European cities such as Paris, Rome or Barcelona, you may already be familiar with this one.
A stranger approaches, ties a “free” friendship bracelet around your wrist and then refuses to remove it unless you pay.
The best approach is simply to avoid engaging and keep walking if someone tries to place anything in your hand or on your wrist.
4. AI Travel Agents and Fake Booking Sites
Technology has made travel planning easier than ever — but it has also opened the door to more sophisticated scams.
Fraudsters are now using AI-generated websites, fake booking platforms and even voice-cloning technology to impersonate travel agents.
Common warning signs include:
- unofficial booking links
- sudden changes to payment details
- pressure to pay immediately
- travel deals that seem unusually cheap
Experts recommend paying by credit card whenever possible, as it often provides stronger consumer protection than bank transfers if something goes wrong.
Before booking, travellers should also check that companies are ATOL-protected, confirm website security and read independent reviews.
5. “Closed Attraction” Diversions
This scam often happens near famous landmarks.
Someone approaches and claims the attraction is closed due to maintenance, an event or long queues, then offers to guide you somewhere else instead — usually a shop, unofficial tour or business where they receive commission.
To avoid falling for this trick, always check opening times through the official website, attraction app or posted signage before changing your plans.
Why Travel Scams Are Increasing
According to travel experts, the growth of online booking platforms and the rapid development of AI tools have made scams easier to carry out — and harder to detect.
Adam Edinburgh, Head of Post Office Travel & New Products, says awareness remains the most effective protection.
“Scams have evolved from traditional street cons to modern digital tricks,” he explains. “Taking a moment to pause before making a payment, checking details carefully and trusting your instincts if something feels off can make a big difference.”
Travel insurance can also help provide an extra safety net if documents or valuables are lost or stolen during a trip.
What To Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed
If you believe you’ve been the victim of fraud while travelling, experts advise contacting your bank immediately and reporting the incident so they can help protect your accounts.
Taking action quickly can often prevent further financial damage.
As international travel continues to rebound, scammers are adapting quickly. But with a little awareness — and a healthy dose of caution — travellers can still enjoy their holidays without becoming the next statistic.
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