The NHS has issued an urgent warning for Brits across the country over an expected surge in STIs throughout the bank holidays.
12.04.2023 - 05:53 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Brits have been warned to look out for travel scams as fraudsters exploit passport delays. According to the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), scammers are using sophisticated methods to trick travellers into paying for holidays and services which don’t exist.
Some of the bogus travel deals include ““entirely fabricated” social media ads featuring attractive pictures of holiday cottages and hotels accompanied by “too good to be true” prices. The CTSI warned that by the time holidaymakers realised that the adverts were fake, the scammers had already taken their money.
Often scammers told their victims to pay by cash, via bank transfer or through services such as Western Union. This would mean the payments would be difficult to trace and non-refundable.
READ MORE: Jet2 issues fresh travel warning for parts of Spain over possible delays
Some victims wouldn’t even realise they had been scammed until they arrived at the airport and find that their flight reservation did not exist or that the hotel had no record of their booking. Fraudsters are also offering fake “fast-track” passport services as they take advantage of industrial action by UK Passport Office workers.
The CTSI said it had seen a number of texts and emails offering speedy passport renewals, warning that victims could lose personal data to fraudsters as well as money.
CTSI lead officer Katherine Hart said: “Lots of people are preparing to go away at the moment and, unfortunately, there are a lot of adverts on social media advertising cottages and hotels at home and abroad with incredible pictures and fantastic prices.
“These bogus adverts are designed to steal our money, leaving us disappointed and without a holiday. As with any purchase, do your
The NHS has issued an urgent warning for Brits across the country over an expected surge in STIs throughout the bank holidays.
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READ MORE:In a message to her 509,000 followers this morning (April 4), Sue said: "Just letting you know the holiday content will be starting today so if you don't want to see it please just mute my stories and posts I totally understand [two love heart emojis]. It comes after the mum of Britain's biggest family launched a poll last month asking if they should share pictures and videos of their upcoming trip. The results revealed that a whopping 97 per cent of those who voted did want the Radfords to share their journey on social media.