People planning to book holidays online are being urged to use caution after the PSNI revealed more than £100,000 was lost to fraudsters last year.
Seventy-four reports of holiday fraud were made to police in the north in 2024, with victims left a total of £105,553 out of pocket.
The figure is a drop from 2023, when 89 reports were made and victims reported a total loss of £155,245.
Police have warned that online criminals will take advantage of people seeking the best holiday deals, and have called on those planning vacations to do their research.
The Scamwise NI partnership is a joint campaign involving the PSNI, the Policing Board and the Department of Justice.
It’s chair, PSNI Superintendent Joanne Gibson, said people booking online should be wary of those promoting “suspiciously low prices” for holidays on websites or on social media.
“What can seem like a bargain holiday, or a good deal online, can be the start of a scam, which can leave people out of pocket and scupper their holiday plans,” she said.
”Our advice is that before booking the holiday, look for the usual logos, like ABTA and ATOL.
“Take time to do your research to make sure the holiday deal is genuine and that you haven’t booked a getaway that doesn’t exist.”
Customers are advised to follow the Scamwise NI ‘Stop Check Report’ advice to protect their money.
It urges caution over bank transfer requests, and suggests paying using credit cards if possible, as most credit card providers offer protection for online purchases.
Holidaymakers should also do research and not rely only on one website or review before making payments. Companies offering deals should be members of the Abta travel association, while flights should be approved by ATOL.
Those who have lost money to fraud can report it to police on 101, and are urged to report it to their bank immediately.