A dream holiday can quickly turn into a nightmare when scammers strike.From fake bookings and bogus guides to AI-powered deception, fraudsters are finding new ways to target unsuspecting travellers abroad. Travel scams have surged by between 500 and 900 per cent in recent years, according to Booking.com, with experts warning that AI is helping criminals create increasingly convincing traps for holidaymakers. Regulators have warned that £11 million was lost to holiday fraud in 2024 alone. Fraudsters are exploiting the rush for last-minute breaks and bargain deals, catching travellers who may be booking in a hurry.Almost a third (30 per cent) of adults have fallen victim to a travel scam or know someone who has. Here’s our rundown of the most common scams – and how to avoid them… Unlicensed or fake tour guides Fake friend: Tour guides should be vetted with care – and not found randomlyIn busy, tourist hotspots, unlicensed guides will walk alongside you, offering an informal tour before demanding payment. To avoid this, always book tickets for attractions and tours through official sites, at museum kiosks or through accredited providers.It’s worth paying attention if you’re in an area known for this – for example, in Morocco unlicensed guides and locals are often on the prowl for innocent tourists to dupe. ‘Are you lost?’ I’m not lost, I promise: Beware scammers who target seemingly lost touristsBeing lost in a place you have never been to is normal. Scammers may approach tourists who appear lost, offering help before demanding payment or leading them somewhere unexpected.This usually ends in an aggressive payment demand. If you need assistance, seek help from inside a shop or cafe, consult a map or use your phone’s GPS for directions.Friendship bracelets I can-knot believe it: It seems innocent, but friendship bracelets are the first step in one nefarious scamHow harmful can a friendship bracelet be?Actually, very. Popular in major European cities, scammers place a ‘friendship bracelet’ around your wrist under the guise of a free gift, then refuse to remove it without payment. Avoid engaging and keep walking if you are approached.AI travel agents Can I talk to a person, please? The rise in AI travel agents is causing chaosScammers are increasingly using AI-generated voices and messages to impersonate trusted contacts, including travel companies or family members. Warning signs include unnatural pauses in conversation, high?pressure tactics, requests for immediate payment or changes to banking details. Always verify credentials through official websites, confirmed phone numbers, or multiple channels before acting.Closed attractions The real deal: Be careful if you’re led to a shop or unofficial tourFraudsters sometimes claim a landmark is closed due to an event or maintenance, then divert travellers to a shop or unofficial tour where they receive a commission. Always check operating hours on the attraction’s official website, app or posted signage before altering your plans.Adam Edinburgh, head of Post Office Travel and New Products, said: ‘The way scams work has changed, from classic street cons with digital deception, from fake booking pages to AI?cloned voices. ‘Awareness is your first defence: pause before you pay, verify through official channels and be sceptical of unsolicited “help”.’