Holidaymakers warned about fake accommodation bookings

Holidaymakers are being warned about fraudsters who place false adverts on accommodation websites, conning them out of hundreds of pounds.

Last year, some 4,700 travellers fell victim to such scams, which included fake airline tickets.

On average those affected lost £1,500 each in 2017, according to the police, a 25% rise on the year before.

In many cases the fraudsters hack into accommodation websites and ask to be paid directly.

But as soon as payment is made, they disappear.

The Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) is also warning about fake airline tickets that never arrive. Last year, most of the flights concerned were to Africa or Asia.

source:www.bbc.com