Bank of Ireland is advising consumers to 'pause before they pay' when booking summer holiday accommodation due to a rise in holiday let scams.

These fraudulent schemes generally involve criminals advertising properties that do not exist or are unavailable, tricking holidaymakers into sending upfront payments. Victims frequently only uncover the fraud upon arrival at their destination, leaving them without a place to stay and forcing them to find alternative arrangements at short notice, often in an unfamiliar country with limited available options.

The alert follows an increase observed by the bank in both the number of accommodation scam cases and the total financial losses suffered by customers so far this year in comparison to the same timeframe in 2025. Individual losses frequently run into hundreds of pounds or more.

Allison Ewing, Fraud Manager, Education & Awareness at Bank of Ireland UK, said: "Holiday scams are costly and upsetting, with some people only discovering the fraud when they arrive at their destination. This often means having to unexpectedly pay for new accommodation, which can be very expensive, as well as dealing with the emotional impact of the fraud and in many cases language barriers too. "We know holidays are hard-earned and something families really look forward to, so it's important to take a few simple steps to protect yourself. Taking time to Stop, Think and Check before making a payment can make all the difference in reducing the risk of falling victim to an accommodation scam this summer."

The bank recommends the following safety protocol:

Stop:

Pause before you pay – don't be rushed into making a payment. Fraudsters often create urgency, for example by claiming a last-minute cancellation that must be booked immediately.

Think:

Consider whether the offer could be fake. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Don't click on links in unsolicited messages requesting payment or claiming a payment issue. Always use official booking websites and keep communication and transactions within trusted platforms.

Check:

Check the web address carefully before booking – look out for small spelling changes, or type the address directly into your browser to avoid fake links.

Verify the listing and read independent reviews. Search for the property on trusted sites such as Tripadvisor or Trustpilot, rather than relying on links provided by the advertiser.

If you suspect you have been targeted or have fallen victim to a scam, contact your bank immediately using a verified phone number. Bank of Ireland's fraud team operates 24/7 and can be reached via Freephone on 0800 121 7790 or by calling 159, the short code number designed to connect consumers securely with their bank.