Tenth of British holidaymakers fall victim to tourist scams

BRITISH holidaymakers were warned yesterday to be on alert for scams as research highlighted the problem of tourist cons.

One in 10 Britons has been the victim of a scam while soaking up the sunshine, according to a poll.

Many of the countries identified as hotspots for con artists are popular destinations for British travellers. Tourists can be ripped off by shopkeepers hiking prices when they see holidaymakers coming, timeshare fraudsters and taxis taking “the scenic route”.

The problem is rife across European resorts, with a fifth (21%) of British tourists targeted during the past five years, the survey found.

People interviewed in the research said the average cost of being scammed was about £250 (€288).

The study by travel insurer LV=, formerly known as Liverpool Victoria, showed Spain, France, and Turkey were among the riskiest destinations.

Spain was the top hotspot, with one in 10 holidaymakers (10%) saying they had been the victim of a con.

Tenerife (7% of all visitors), Turkey (4%) and Paris (4%) were also singled out.

The research revealed couples were twice as likely to be targeted by a scammer than other holidaymakers (43%), but one in five cons targeted backpackers.

LV= said the true scale of holiday cons was underestimated by the authorities because only 10% of holidaymakers reported scams to the police.

The company is calling on holidaymakers to inform the police about scams and is offering advice on how to avoid con merchants.

LV=’s tips include asking hotels for the name of a reputable tour operator, getting a receipt for items where a deposit is paid, asking hotel reception to help negotiate before paying a taxi driver who took the long way round, not buying “designer” items from anywhere but a designer shop, walking away if feeling pressured in a market, not letting restaurant staff take credit cards out of sight when paying a bill and ensuring they have adequate travel insurance.

Emma Holyer, spokesman for LV= travel insurance, said: “As the bank holiday approaches, many of us will be looking forward to jetting off to sunnier climes.

“But with one in 10 holidaymakers falling victim to scams abroad in the past two years it’s clear there is an industry worth billions based on ripping them off.

“Not only can cons cost money but they can ruin a trip, so we are offering

advice on steps to take to avoid ending up out of pocket or on a tour that you don’t want to be on.”

Jess Prasad, from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s Know Before You Go campaign, added: “Being prepared will lessen the risk of you being scammed. Read up on your destination as much as possiblebefore you travel at www.fco.gov.uk/travel.

“If you are a victim of crime, report it immediately to the local police – and get a police report in case you need to make an insurance claim.”