Cifas warns holiday makers to be vigilant of fraud following TUI and Jet2 holiday cancellations

• Cifas warns of greater opportunity for fraud following announcement of travel cancellations

Cifas, the UK’s leading fraud prevention service, is warning people to be vigilant on travel scams following announcements today by Tui and Jet2 that they are to cancel all planned travel due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Already Cifas has seen a sharp rise in holidaymakers being contacted by criminals purporting to be from travel companies, tour operators and insurers offering to refund or rebook cancelled holidays. In addition, fraudsters have also set up fake websites offering to claim holiday refunds and compensation on behalf of holidaymakers.

Mike Haley, CEO of Cifas, said: ‘Fraudsters are always quick to find new ways to trick people into parting with their money or personal information, and the coronavirus pandemic is giving them additional opportunities to take advantage of people’s uncertainty and fears.

‘If your holiday has been cancelled and you are contacted by someone claiming to be from an airline or travel company offering to refund or rebook your trip, then be very cautious. Take a moment to stop and think before you give anyone your bank details or personal information, and if you receive a suspicious text message about your holiday then report it to your network provider by forwarding it to 7726.

‘If you remain unsure, then contact the party you booked your holiday with directly, and do not use the contact information or links in an email or text message from someone claiming to be your holiday provider.’

Anyone that believes they have been the victim of a scam must contact their bank or financial service provider immediately and report the fraud to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or www.actionfraud.police.uk.

ENDS

For more information contact:

Corinne Gladstone
Head of Communications, Cifas 
T: +44 (0)20 3004 3654
E: corinne.gladstone@cifas.org.uk

Notes to editors

More advice on coronavirus fraud is available on the Cifas website here.

About Cifas

Cifas is an independent, not-for-profit membership organisation that protects businesses and individuals through effective and secure data and intelligence sharing between the private, public and third sectors. In 2018, Cifas member organisations prevented over £1.4 billion of fraud losses.

Cifas data is included in the Office of National Statistics England and Wales Crime Statistics of police recorded crime and works alongside law enforcement agencies in tackling fraud. Cifas also offers Protective Registration for individuals whose identities are at risk of being used fraudulently. We also run a scheme called Protecting the Vulnerable, offered free of charge to local authorities to protect those under the care of Court Deputies who are unable to access financial products and whose identities may be at risk.

Contact us at press@cifas.org.uk