Santander UK has reported a significant increase in holiday scam losses, with customers losing £42,773.62 to holiday-related fraud between April and June this year. This marks a 32% rise from the £32,513.09 stolen in the first quarter of 2024.
Common Scam Tactics
The bank highlighted that fraudsters often use fake holiday packages, apartment and villa rental scams in the UK and abroad, and requests for deposits before disappearing. Criminals frequently pressure victims with 'limited time' or 'one room remaining' deals to rush decisions.
How to Stay Safe
Santander advises holidaymakers to conduct extra checks, such as reverse image searching photos to see if they appear on other websites. Consumers should also independently verify bookings by contacting the hotel, airline, or travel provider directly using official contact details.
Broader Fraud Trends
Despite the rise in holiday scams, Santander's 'scamtracker' data shows an overall decline in total fraud losses, dropping from £24.6 million in Q1 to £13.35 million in Q2. Losses among customers aged 55 and over saw a particularly sharp decrease.
Chris Ainsley, head of fraud strategy at Santander UK, said the figures 'show real progress' but warned: 'We must not rest on our laurels – scammers are smart and will adapt their approach to continue targeting customers by whatever means possible.'
