Holidaymakers warned after average cost of accommodation scams increases 25%, new figures show

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The average amount of money lost by holidaymakers ripped off by booking scams increased by 25 per cent in the last year, new figures show. Abta’s chief executive Mark Tanzer said the travel trade organisation saw “at first-hand the damage caused by travel fraudsters with the many devastated customers who contact us for advice after they find out their much anticipated holiday or trip to visit loved ones may not actually exist”. Pauline Smith, head of fraud reporting centre Action Fraud, said: “Fraudsters are increasingly using more sophisticated ways to trick their victims, which is why it is important that you do your research when making travel arrangements.” There is a spike in cases during the summer and in December, leading experts to believe fraudsters are targeting peak holiday periods when it is harder to find a bargain. Tony Neate of fraud prevention group Get Safe Online said: “It can be quite tempting to get lured in by the offer of a cut-price flight or a deal on accommodation when you are caught up in the excitement of booking a holiday.