WARNING – Holiday Accommodation Phishing Scams

Last Updated on October 14, 2011 by admin

No doubt holiday let owners who take bookings direct and holiday letting agencies alike get phishing emails on a regular basis.

We just wanted to make you aware of this one that has just landed in our holiday home insurance quote enquiry inbox on the basis that forwarned is forearmed..

Sent: 13 October 2011 19:49


Subject: booking

Sir / Madam,

I have a booking request from 2 couples (4 persons) scheduled to spent their holiday in your area starting from 5th to 19th January, 2012 (14 nights). If you can host the guests, kindly provide the total cost of your 2 double rooms or equivalent for 14 nights for 4 people. This must include all taxes and service charge except meals.

Payment for this transaction will be made fully in advance using my credit card or bank check as am currently away from town hence advise if you accept credit card or bank check for prepayment.

In the event you do not have availability for the stated date, please advise next available 14-day period in February, 2012.

Like I mentioned above, preferable payment method will be pre-payment via my credit card or bank check and note that am not disposed to make bank transfers due to my present location.

Thank you and looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Regards,
Luis Jacobson
Leeds,
West Yorkshire, England

My understanding is that payment is made with a cheque and subsequently the booking is cancelled and a refund is given, only to discover the original payment had never cleared thus leaving the holiday home owner or agent out of pocket..!

If you have examples of scams that you would like to share with other holiday home owners please drop an email to: cottagesATboshers.co.uk with the details and we’ll compile a post to warn others.