Opportunistic scammers are targeting would-be-holidaymakers following the collapse of Thomas Cook last month, authorities have said.
Anti-fraud organisations and UK government MPs are warning those who have lost money from the cancellation of Thomas Cook flights and holiday packages to be cautious of any communication from so-called ‘Thomas Cook refund agents.’
The scam involves cold callers asking for credit card details in order to provide a refund to troubled travellers.
‘Our advice is to ignore unsolicited calls and texts, and avoid sharing your card or bank details,’ said consumer rights expert Adam French from the charity Which?.
‘Anyone looking to claim back the cost of their flight through their debit or credit card provider should contact their bank directly themselves.’
What to look out for
Scores of Channel Island residents have had their holiday plans thrown into turmoil following the failure of Thomas Cook. The company reportedly failed with a balance sheet deficit of more than £3 billion.
Many customers will be owed a refund through the ATOL Protection scheme, and will need to complete a claims form to secure payment. According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), travellers will find details of how to claim on the ATOL certificate received when the holiday was booked. Card details will not be asked for in an unsolicited phone call.
What’s UK Finance’s scam advice?
Consumers are urged to follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign:
A genuine bank or organisation will never contact you out of the blue to ask for your pin, full password, or card details and security number, or to move money to another account. Only give out your personal or financial details to use a service that you trust and have given your consent to, and that you are expecting to be contacted by.
Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text.
Always question uninvited approaches and instead contact the company directly using a known email or phone number.
ABTA, the UK travel trade association for tour operators and travel agents, has specific guidance for affected holidaymakers at abta.com/thomascook. The Civil Aviation Authority also has a dedicated webpage with information for customers and travel businesses affected at thomascook.caa.co.uk.