Bromley trading standards is asking residents to guard against scams before booking a well-earned holiday or break. Great deals online are not without risks, including a holiday that does not exist.
Scammers can use fake websites and fake adverts with images from genuine websites pretending they are theirs, coupled with attractive prices, to tempt you. They may also contact you by email, text messages, phone, or social media to trick you into paying.
Therefore, we advise to:
- Carry out your research and shop around – don't be rushed into making a payment before you’re ready.
- Pay by credit card (over £100 to £30,000) wherever possible – avoid paying by bank transfer.
Get safe online has important 'Safe booking' information Holiday and travel booking – Get safe online and Action Fraud provides 'Spot the signs' and 'How it happens' Holiday fraud | Action Fraud.
Report and assistance
Protect yourself and others by reporting incidents.
Contact Citizens Advice for help and advice on 0808 223 1133 or on the Citizens Advice website.
If you have paid money contact your bank as soon as possible – use 159. 159 - Stop Scams UK.
You can also report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or www.actionfraud.police.uk.
To check if a website is legitimate, visit: Free Website Scam Checker – Check a website by Get Safe Online.
Report a scam website – NCSC.GOV.UK.
Report a scam email – NCSC.GOV.UK to report@phishing.gov.uk.
Report a scam text message – NCSC.GOV.UK to 7726.
For general guidance visit Holidays – London Borough of Bromley.
Bromley trading standards
To keep up with the latest scam alerts and warnings from Bromley trading standards sign up on www.bromley.gov.uk/TradingStandardsAlertSignUpForm.
Bromley Trading Standards also runs a fair-trader directory to help you find a safe, reliable trader that you can trust, visit www.bromley.gov.uk/tradingstandardschecked to learn more.