Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is actively tackling holiday fraud through a dedicated week of action.
- The economic crime unit’s initiative is in response to six recent fraud cases with significant financial losses.
- GMP collaborates with City of London Police to effectively target fraudsters in the travel sector.
- Consumers are urged to heed advice on safeguarding their financial transactions when booking holidays.
- The Advantage Travel Partnership supports the crackdown and emphasises the importance of financial protection.
In a proactive move, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has launched a targeted campaign against holiday fraud. This operation, spearheaded by the force’s economic crime unit, is a week-long initiative that aims to curtail fraudulent activities within the travel industry, which remain a prevalent concern, particularly during peak booking periods.
Recent reports within the Greater Manchester area have underscored the urgency of this initiative, with six victims falling prey to holiday scams, resulting in an average loss of £650 per case. To amplify the efficacy of their efforts, GMP is collaborating with the City of London Police. This partnership is geared towards the disruption and prosecution of offenders engaging in travel-related fraudulent schemes.
Consumers are therefore encouraged to remain vigilant and adhere to the advice provided by the police to avoid becoming victims of such scams. Chief executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership, Julia Lo Bue-Said, has publicly urged holidaymakers to be discerning about their booking choices. Through a statement on X, she reinforced the significance of evaluating the legitimacy of booking channels and understanding the varying degrees of consumer protection offered.
Describing the modus operandi of such fraudulent activities, GMP officials highlight that these often involve payments made to travel agents or agencies for holidays that do not exist, leaving consumers financially compromised. This underscores the necessity for holidaymakers to acquire knowledge about crime prevention strategies and remain informed about protecting their financial interests against fraud.
Detective Sergeant Stacey Shannon from GMP’s economic crime unit elucidates, “We have reached that time of year, with the weather being cold, that people have started to look for holidays in the summer.” She further outlines the department’s comprehensive approach to mitigating fraud risks, stating that officers, staff, and volunteers are all engaged in educational efforts to safeguard community members.
In her advisory, Detective Sergeant Shannon stresses the importance of disregarding unsolicited offers via email, social media, or phone calls, as these may lead to unsafe transactions or expose individuals to malware or phishing scams. Moreover, she advises potential travellers to verify booking sources, preferring direct bookings with airlines or hotels, or using reputable agents recognised by industry associations such as Abta. Skepticism is advised if asked to transfer funds via non-secure methods, such as bank transfer or cash, advocating for payments via credit or debit card to enable recovery in fraudulent scenarios.
A spokesperson from the Advantage Travel Partnership reiterates the critical nature of ensuring bookings are made through credible agents, who offer financial safeguards like Atol protection, which assures refunds if issues arise. The spokesperson notes that without these protective measures, consumers risk losing their savings to fraudulent schemes, which highlights the need for due diligence when booking travel arrangements.
This concerted effort underscores the importance of vigilance and informed decision-making to prevent becoming a victim of holiday fraud.
