Yahoo News The top 10 holiday destinations where British tourists are most at risk of losing your money
British holidaymakers were scammed out of more than £12 million last year as security experts reveal the top 10 holiday destinations most likely to be used in scams targeting Brits. Benidorm has been identified as the prime hotspot for fraudsters looking to con UK tourists out of their money, according to antivirus company McAfee.
The popular Spanish resort in the Costa Blanca region has seen a surge in websites and ads offering bogus deals, catapulting it from ninth place on last year's list to the top spot. Berlin and Ibiza are next on the list, taking second and third place respectively, while Bangkok - the most scam-ridden destination in 2023 - has dropped to sixth place.
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McAfee has released the top 10 riskiest destinations, advising holidaymakers to exercise caution when researching accommodation, package deals, and flights this summer. Vonny Gamot, McAfee's Head of EMEA, said holidaymakers need to be vigilant of fraudulent accommodation listings and too-good-to-be-true holiday deals circulating on email and social media, reports GB News.
For those planning to visit any of the destinations on this list, extra vigilance is required when booking your summer getaway, whether that involves flights, hotels, car hire, or package deals. Vonny Gamot has issued a warning, stating: "Staying alert and taking early and proactive steps to manage your security, privacy and online identity is extremely important as we head into the peak summer holiday season. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it's best to avoid clicking; instead, go direct to the source and book with reputable companies."
Top 10 Most 'Risky' Destinations in 2024.
Benidorm, Spain.
Berlin, Germany.
Ibiza, Balearic Islands.
Valletta, Malta.
Albufeira, Portugal.
Bangkok, Thailand.
Maldives, South Asia.
Dubai, UAE.
New York, USA.
Dublin, Ireland.
When browsing for summer holidays online, there are several measures you can take to protect yourself from scams. Firstly, don't trust a website or social media post solely based on its professional appearance.
Fake websites often use a sleek, modern design to trick you. Don't always trust reviews either, as sites can manipulate positive feedback or remove negative comments entirely. It's always a good idea to check a third-party site, like Trustpilot, or social media to gauge the credibility of an unfamiliar website.
