With Bank Holiday weekends underway and the summer holiday season approaching, Bank of Ireland is urging consumers to be extra vigilant when booking accommodation to avoid falling victim to increasingly common scams.

Fraudsters often target holidaymakers during peak booking periods, potentially leaving victims out of pocket and stranded upon arrival.

Allison Ewing, Fraud Manager, Education & Awareness at Bank of Ireland UK, warned: "Scammers don't take time off and are always looking at ways to take your money. Holiday scams can be devastating and costly, as you may arrive at your destination before becoming aware that it's a scam, so it's really important that consumers stay vigilant and Stop, Think, Check before making any accommodation payments."

Ms Ewing added: "Bank of Ireland offers a 24/7 fraud telephone support for customers on 0800 121 7790, available every day of the year. We encourage our customers to save this number in their phone, especially before they go on holiday, so they have easy access to it if they ever need it."

To help prevent holiday scams, Bank of Ireland advises consumers to follow the 'Stop, Think, Check' approach:

Stop:

• Resist pressure to make payments quickly. • Avoid clicking on links in emails, texts, or social media messages; always visit official websites directly.

• Be wary of requests to move bookings off official platforms. Scammers may offer discounts for direct bookings, which often turn out to be fraudulent.

Think:

• If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Verify offers by checking independent reviews and comparing prices.

• Opt for secure payment methods on trusted platforms. Avoid bank transfers where possible, as recovering funds can be difficult.

• Consider what other checks you can do to verify the property, price, and owner before paying.

Check:

• Carefully examine website links, as scammers often create fake sites that look authentic.

• Research the property thoroughly – check online reviews and use online maps to confirm its existence.

• Verify if the provider is a member of a recognised trade association by checking with the association directly, not just relying on logos on the booking site.

Bank of Ireland also warns consumers to be cautious of potential follow-up scams where fraudsters pose as banks or booking sites offering refunds. Always verify the identity of anyone requesting bank details.

Anyone who believes they have been targeted by a holiday scam should contact their bank immediately. Further advice on financial fraud is available on the Bank of Ireland UK website.