Caravan scams and bogus refunds: Warning as criminals target UK holidaymakers looking for staycations

Criminals promote fake adverts for caravans, impersonate organisations to commit fraud and create dodgy travel deals, writes Kate Ng

UK Finance advises holidaymakers to always question unsolicited emails claiming to promote cheap travel deals as scammers try to take advantage of the coronavirus pandemic (Getty/iStock)

The prime minister’s announcement that hotels, caravan parks and campsites can reopen from 4 July has kicked summer holiday planning into high gear, but vacationers have been warned to be cautious of scammers advertising fake listings and bogus offers.

UK Finance said criminals are taking advantage of people eager to go on a “staycation” within the UK and have been putting up fake adverts for caravans and motor homes on auction websites.

The scammers are also using uncertainty around travel restrictions and cancellations lingering from the coronavirus crisis to commit fraud, said the trade association. They have impersonated trusted institutions such as airlines, travel agencies and banks in attempts to trick consumers.