The number of cases of holiday fraud in the UK has dropped for the first time in six years.
According to the latest figures, fraudsters stole £6.7 million from 4,700 unsuspecting holidaymakers and other travellers in 2017.
In 2016 there were 5,826 cases and the total amount stolen was £7.2 million.
The latest figures were released today in a report by ABTA, the City of London Police and Get Safe Online who are once again joining forces to warn the public about the dangers posed by holiday booking fraud.
The campaign partners believe the actual figure is much higher, with many victims not realising they should always report the fraud to the police.
Although the number of cases has dropped, the average amount lost per person was over £1,500, an increase of 25% year on year.
Almost half (2,245) of victims say the fraud also had had a significant impact on their health or financial well-being.
More worryingly, 575 people said the impact was so severe they had to receive medical treatment or were at risk of bankruptcy.
The most common types of fraud relate to the sale of airline tickets (47%) and accommodation booking (38%).
The visiting friends and family market is particularly attractive to fraudsters offering fake flight tickets and package arrangements, said the report.
Fraudsters may also be targeting individuals travelling home to visit family in time for public or religious holidays.
Where destinations were reported by victims, 54% said they had been intending to travel to Africa and 24% to Asia.
ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer said: "ABTA sees at first-hand the damage caused by travel fraudsters with the many devastated customers who contact us for advice after they find out their much anticipated holiday or trip to visit loved ones may not actually exist.
"The cost to them is not just financial; this crime causes very real disappointment and emotional distress. However this does not need to happen."
Agents who want to share advice with their clients on how to stay safe should click here.
