Scammers are busier than ever during the holidays, targeting every part of your travel plans. Here is how to spot the warning signs and keep your holiday safe before it is too late.
A dream holiday turned into a scam
You spend days dreaming, planning, comparing flights and accommodation, finishing the paperwork, and sealing that last-minute deal. Bags packed and boarding pass in hand, you feel ready to unwind until you arrive and discover there is no room at the inn. In fact, the inn never existed at all.
Unfortunately, this nightmare happens far too often. Most travellers lose their money for good; according to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), only about 4% manage to recover it. Travellers in the US or UK may have slightly better chances.
How scammers are affecting your travel plans
In 2024, scammers stole more than $1 trillion worldwide, with travel among the hardest-targeted sectors. This year, online travel fraud is expected to cost $25 million and could affect up to one in every five bookings.
“South Africa is seeing a sharp rise in travel-related scams too – everything from fake accommodation listings to phishing emails posing as major booking platforms,” says Antoinette Turner, General Manager at Flight Centre South Africa.
“Criminals are getting smarter – helped by AI – so travellers need to be super vigilant.”
How to avoid travel scams and book safely
Turner offers simple tips to help you travel safe and keep scammers at bay.
1. Use trusted sites and double-check URLs
Scams often start with slick emails, ads, or WhatsApp messages promising deals too good to pass up, many written by AI, which makes them harder to spot. Always go to booking sites by typing the web address yourself and never click on random links. Check that the site starts with “https” and watch out for odd spellings or strange domain names.
2. Pay by credit card, not EFT
“If a deal looks too good to be true, it usually is,” Turner warns. “Trust your instincts and don’t be rushed into making payments outside trusted channels.” If you pay by credit card, you may be able to issue a chargeback, but once cash has been transferred via EFT, it’s usually too late.
3. Stay on platform
If you are booking through Airbnb, Booking.com or Lekkeslaap, always use their own messaging and payment tools. Scammers often try to lure people onto WhatsApp or email with promises of discounts for direct bookings. That is a big red flag. A genuine host will never ask you to chat or pay outside the official site.
4. Beware of pressure tricks
Scammers love to create panic: a once in a lifetime deal, a warning that your booking is at risk, or a countdown timer to “lock it in”. Take a breath and double check before you pay.
5. Verify who you are dealing with
Scammers are not shy about claiming they work with big local or global brands. Do not take it at face value. Use official directories to confirm that the travel agent or operator is truly accredited before you hand over any money.
6. Check the reviews properly
Be wary if you see glowing reviews on every site, especially vague ones with no detail and bad grammar. On the flip side, pay attention to any negative reviews or scam warnings. They are there for a reason.
So before you pack your bags, pack a healthy dose of scepticism too — and do not be afraid to ask questions.
