POLICE officers across the borough are warning residents to remain vigilant against holiday and travel related fraud, as holiday bookings surge.

Following the government’s announcement, holiday bookings have soared but South Yorkshire Police have warned that fraudsters could take advantage.

Holiday fraud can vary from fake accommodation listings advertising hotels, and self-catering properties that simply don’t exist, to ‘too good to be true’ offers with flights being particularly targeted.

Criminals target over the phone, via text, email and social media, offering incredibly cheap deals to tempt you into booking a holiday with them.

In reality, the holiday you’ve booked, or parts of it, doesn’t exist at all.

Dannielle Lee, cyber protect officer at South Yorkshire Police, said: “Check the web address is legitimate and has not been altered by slight changes to a domain name - such as going from .co.uk to .org.

“Don’t just rely on one review - do a thorough online search to ensure the company is credible.

“If a company is defrauding people, there is a good chance that consumers will post details of their experiences, and warnings about the company.

“Wherever possible, pay by credit card and be wary about paying directly into a private individual’s bank account.

“If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.