A banking expert has revealed the critical warning signs that could protect consumers from increasingly sophisticated financial scams sweeping across Britain that can affect thousands of holidaymakers.
Matthew Sanders from alternative banking solution Suits Me highlighted several crucial tactics scammers use to trick people into handing over their hard-earned cash, particularly during travel season.
His advice comes as thousands of Brits fall victim to text message scams, deceitful emails and fake phone calls from criminals desperately trying to access bank accounts through false travel confirmations and flight alerts.
“Banks never ask for your full PIN or password over the phone,” Sanders said. “They won’t send someone to your home to collect cash, cards or anything else.”
The banking expert pointed out that genuine banks have strict rules against requesting customers to move money to different accounts for security reasons, which is a tactic scammers use while pretending to be a travel agent or airline staff.
“If you receive a call claiming to be from your bank asking you to move money, hang up right away,” he warned.
Sanders explained how scammers deliberately create panic by playing on holiday-related stress to stop victims thinking clearly about what they’re being asked to do.
“Scammers create a sense of urgency to make you act without thinking. They might say your account has been compromised or that you need to verify a booking for your flights or hotel,” he explained.
Taking time before responding to unexpected messages about your account dramatically reduces your chance of being conned. “A genuine bank gives you time to think,” Sanders said.
The financial expert strongly advised against clicking on links in texts or emails about holiday bookings or your bank account – even if they look legitimate.
“If you get a message about your account or a holiday you have planned, don’t click on links. Instead, open your banking app or type the website directly into your browser,” Sanders explained.
This basic step stops criminals directing victims to fake websites that look almost identical to real pages but are designed purely to steal login details and drain accounts.
“Phone your bank using the number on the back of your card if you’re unsure about any communication,” he added.
Identity theft remains one of the fastest-growing crimes in the UK with criminals needing minimal personal information to begin stealing victims’ identities, which can often stem from posting holiday photos online.
“Be careful what you share on social media. Your date of birth, address, information about your family, and travel plans can help scammers appear legitimate when they contact you,” Sanders warned.
He urged people to regularly check privacy settings across all their accounts to restrict what information strangers can view or access online.
Travel scams have soared since the pandemic, with criminals creating perfect copies of popular airline websites to trick holidaymakers.
“Look for the padlock symbol in your browser address bar before entering payment details on any website,” Sanders advised.
The banking expert revealed fraudsters frequently create convincing copies of major airline and travel deal sites with tiny, barely noticeable differences in the web address that most people miss.
“Check for poor spelling, odd email addresses for customer service and prices that seem too good to be true,” he said.
Sanders emphasised quick detection of unusual account activity dramatically improves chances of recovering stolen money.
“Check your bank statements regularly for transactions you don’t recognise, even small amounts. Scammers often test accounts with small purchases before attempting larger fraud,” he explained.
Most major banks now provide instant notifications for all transactions, a feature Sanders believes everyone should use for maximum protection.
The UK banking sector has reported huge spikes in fraud attempts during peak travel periods, with scammers typically posing as airlines or travel agents.
Sanders urged victims not to feel ashamed if they’ve been caught out. “Contact your bank immediately if you suspect you’ve been scammed. The faster you report it, the better the chance of recovering your money,” he said.
“Fraudsters target people of all ages and backgrounds. Banks have dedicated teams to help, but they need to know quickly.”
