How to stay safe from fraud during holidays

Jamila and her family are planning to travel toward the end of the month. Coincidentally, she received a call informing her that she had won a draw and that she should collect it from a hotel after watching a small presentation.

The company promised huge discounts for accommodation in luxury hotels and entry to prominent tourist hotspots via lucky draws. Curious, she explored and found several warnings against trusting unregistered tour agencies. Studies show that consumers lose an average of AED 7,200 each to holiday scamsters. Victims of such frauds have reported paying as much as AED 40,000 for holidays that never materialized.

How can you stay safe while planning and going on holiday?

1. No exit options:

Check on refund options when buying something. Don’t sign contracts which have no exit options.

2. New sellers:

If you are using a company or a seller for the first time, check reviews online or ask around to verify its reputation.

3. lievable raffles and draws:

Don’t try to win your way into a holiday with raffles and lucky draws. Verify that the seller is legitimate.

4. Unlicensed providers:

Companies in the UAE are licensed to conduct their activities. Don’t buy vacations or holiday packages from unlicensed providers.

5. Non-UAE sellers:

Avoid sellers who seem like they are based near you but respond as if they are in another country on business or emergencies or another reason.

6. False advertisements:

Many travelers report falling for pretty pictures that show beautiful properties that don’t exist or are not available. Verify directly before you pay.

7. Advance payment:

Whether it’s hotels or tourist spots, only pay an advance to secure bookings if you are convinced that the company is legitimate.

8. Urgent bookings:

A lot of victims report that they were told the deal would go away if they didn’t pay immediately. If someone is pressing you to pay urgently, walk away.

9.Timeshares:

If you have won something that you didn’t even enter a draw for, be wary as these can be scams where you win a timeshare but while redeeming you are told that it is not available at any time that you want to use it.

10. Get a receipt:

No matter how good the deal is, don’t pay if you are not guaranteed a receipt.
Use common sense tried and tested ways to save money while on a vacation.

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