Choose ATOL-protected and ABTA-member companies

One of the easiest ways to reduce the risk of travel fraud is to book with reputable travel companies that offer recognised financial protection. If you're booking a package holiday that includes flights, look for ATOL (Air Travel Organiser's Licence) protection. ATOL protection means you'll be financially protected if the travel company ceases trading before or during your trip. You'll receive an ATOL Certificate after booking, which confirms what is covered.

It's also worth choosing travel companies that are members of ABTA (The Association of British Travel Agents). ABTA members must meet certain standards and follow a code of conduct. They also provide support if something goes wrong with your booking and offer access to a complaints resolution service. Before booking, check that the company's ATOL number or ABTA membership is genuine by searching their sites using the licence number listed on the holiday company site. Fraudsters sometimes falsely claim to be protected, so it makes sense to verify their credentials yourself.

Book through a trusted website

Stick to well-known travel companies with secure payment systems. If you find an incredible deal on social media or an unfamiliar website, do some research before parting with your money. Look for independent reviews, check that the company has a genuine UK address and ensure the website uses HTTPS encryption. You can also do a ‘reverse-image’ check on property pictures; just right-click on the image and then select the option to ‘search this image with Google lens’ (you may have to open the image in a new tab). Red flags here would be if the property image is actually a stock shot from a photo library, or if it is not in the place it says it is!

Be wary of fake payment requests

One of the fastest-growing travel scams involves fake payment requests. You may receive an email or message that appears to come from your hotel, holiday rental host or travel company asking you to pay an outstanding balance or verify your payment details.

These messages often look genuine, using official logos and branding, but they may direct you to a fraudulent payment page or ask for a bank transfer. Before making any payment, contact the company directly using the phone number or email address listed on its official website – not the contact details in the message you've received.

At Simpson Travel, our guests will never be contacted by third parties, such as villa owners or hoteliers, looking for payment or information of any kind, so if you get this kind of contact, pay nothing and let us know immediately.

Protect your personal information

Travel scammers don't just want your money – they may also be after your personal details. Holiday companies do often genuinely require some personal information such as passport or driving licence details to make bookings on your behalf and recording passport info is a legal requirement in some countries. However, always be cautious about sharing personal identifying information with anyone other than a legitimate travel company or their official representative

Passwords are tiresome but they do protect you when you use any kind of online account, so always pick a strong, unique password.

Check before you click

Phishing emails and text messages often create a sense of urgency, claiming your booking will be cancelled unless you act immediately. Take a moment to inspect the sender's email address, check for spelling mistakes and avoid clicking unexpected links. Instead, log in to your travel account directly through the company's official website.

Talk to someone who’s been there

One of the easiest ways to suss out a scam is to ask some detailed questions about the property you want to book. We visit all our hotels and villas in person, so you can call us and find out even the smallest details that only a genuine business is likely to be able to provide.

Conclusion

Please don't panic! Most online travel bookings are completely legitimate, but staying alert can make all the difference. Book with ATOL-protected and ABTA-member travel companies wherever possible, verify payment requests, use secure payment methods and never let pressure rush your decision. A few extra minutes checking the details could save you hundreds – or even thousands – of pounds and ensure your holiday is the dream you planned for.