Police issue warning over caravan break scams

In April alone Humberside Police received nine reports from victims who had lost their money after being conned into booking caravan breaks that didn’t exist.

The majority of the victims hailed from the North East Lincolnshire area and paid between £50 and £145 to secure the use of caravans in North Yorkshire and North East Lincolnshire, which had been advertised for rent on social media sites..

More than £64,000 was lost by would-be holiday makers from the Humberside force area last year, who were conned by online criminals.

Detective Inspector Rich Osgerby, from Humberside Police's cyber crime unit, said: “For many of us, the first thing we do when booking a holiday is turn to the internet.

“However, it’s vitally important that no matter how good the deal may seem or how quick you believe you need to be to snap it up, that you take the time to make sure all is as it should be.

“We would advise that you follow a number of basic checks, which can help minimise the risk of becoming a victim of fraud.

“These include researching the company you are looking to book through and ensuring it’s a member of a recognised trade body.”

Anyone with information should call Humberside Police on 101.