Millions of Britons are preparing for summer holidays, but scammers are lying in wait to drain bank accounts. From fake holiday lets to car hire rip-offs and passport pitfalls, travellers need to stay vigilant. Consumer rights expert Martyn James outlines the key threats and how to avoid them.
Fake Holiday Let Scams
Every year, holidaymakers fall victim to a simple but devastating scam: fraudsters advertise a stunning property on a legitimate booking site, using fake reviews and enticing photos. The property may exist but isn't owned by the scammer. When you enquire, they offer a discount if you pay directly by bank transfer or via PayPal's 'friends and family' option. Once sent, the money is nearly impossible to recover.
To beat the scammers, always pay through the official holiday company website using a debit or credit card. Check the terms and conditions for your rights. If you suspect fraud, report it to the booking site. Recently, Booking.com has seen a spate of fake messages after hotel emails were hacked. Never trust a message asking you to pay differently than agreed. Paying by credit card for bills over £100 offers extra protection.
Car Hire Cons
The car hire industry has a poor reputation for mis-selling and hidden costs. Companies often upsell unnecessary extras or rush customers through contracts. Essential insurance covering 'excess fees' (which can exceed £1,000 for minor damage) can be bought in the UK for around £30, far cheaper than at the desk. Firms cannot force you to buy their insurance; tell them in writing you have your own.
Watch for firms switching car models—for example, giving a manual instead of an automatic. That can be dangerous, so stand your ground. Photograph or video the car from every angle before driving off. Brexit also introduced new driving rules in the EU; check government guidance before travelling.
Passport Rules After Brexit
Thousands are still refused boarding at UK airports due to changed passport rules. When travelling to the EU/Schengen area, entry is based on the passport's issue date, not expiry date. Your passport must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter, and must have at least three months remaining on the issue date from the date you leave the EU. For example, if you leave Spain on 31 March 2026, your passport issue date must be after 1 July 2016.
In summary: check your passport issue date; if your holiday falls over ten years after that date, your passport won't be accepted; you also need an extra three months beyond that ten-year point from your departure date. These rules apply only to the EU/Schengen area. Other countries have different validity periods. Check the Foreign Office website and remember you may need a visa. The new European Entry/Exit System may cause long queues.
Spending Abroad Without Paying a Hefty Price
Using a debit card abroad can cost a family of four an extra £250–£300 in poor exchange rates and fees. Many high street banks charge excessive fees per transaction. Always pay in the local currency when using cards. Some challenger banks offer better rates.
Top tips: never buy cash at the airport (rates are terrible); never withdraw cash on a credit card (it can hurt your credit score); save emergency contact numbers for your bank, credit card, and travel insurance; split cash and cards between different wallets and secure spots; never leave cash or valuables in unattended luggage (insurance may reject claims). Most European destinations accept cards, so aim for a 70/30 card-to-cash spending ratio.
