How to spot travel booking scams
Warning signs of fake travel sellers and how to pay safely: business accounts, written prices, cards and what to check first.
By the Safarly team · Updated 31 October 2026 · 4 min read
Travel scams usually ask for payment to a personal account, push you to pay fast, or offer a price that is far below everyone else. Check who you are paying and get the price in writing first.
Common warning signs
- They ask you to pay into a personal bank account instead of a registered business
- Pressure to pay "now" or the price will vanish
- A price far below every other seller for the same trip
- No company name, company number or registered address on the website
- Only social media contact and no way to check who they are
- Tickets or documents that cannot be checked with the airline
Check before you pay
- Look up the company name and number on the official company register of its country (in the UK, Companies House)
- Check the account name matches the company you are dealing with
- Ask for the price, what is included and the rules in writing
- Ask what financial protection applies to your booking
- Check your booking with the airline using the booking reference
Paying by card
Paying by credit or debit card can give you extra ways to get money back in some situations. Ask the seller whether they accept cards and what protection your card provider offers.
What we do at Safarly
Safarly is a trading name of Aspirion Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales. Payments go only to the company's business bank account, and we never ask you to pay into a personal account. See the details on our How to pay page. If you are ever unsure about a message that claims to be from us, contact us directly on the number on our website.
If you think you have been scammed
Contact your bank straight away and report it to your local police or fraud reporting service (in the UK, Action Fraud).
Quick answers
Is it safe to pay a travel agent by bank transfer?
Only if the account belongs to the registered business you are dealing with and you have checked the company details and the price in writing.
Who do I report a travel scam to?
Your bank first, then the fraud reporting service of your country (in the UK, Action Fraud).
Rules, fees and entry requirements change. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Always check official sources and your supplier's terms before you book.
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