Police in Northern Ireland are urging the public to be on their guard when booking holiday stays, after it received 20 reports of fraudulent ads on Facebook for accommodation in Co Donegal.
The scam first came to light in May of this year and involves the fraudulent use of images of genuine holiday accommodation in Co Donegal, the PSNI said.
Under a number of different names, the ads are placed on Facebook Marketplace, which is used to buy or sell items on the social media platform.
Victims pay deposits of between £100 to £500 to try to book the accommodation.
Once the funds have been transferred, the scammer blocks the victim on social media, preventing any further communication.
“They believe they’re paying for a holiday rental in Co Donegal but, in reality, they’ve been swindled,” the PSNI said in a statement.
“The result is the victim is left out of pocket and hopes of a dream getaway dashed.”
The PSNI has said it has received 20 reports of this nature, but believe there may be other cases.
A further four reports have been made in relation to a similar online scam in relation to holiday accommodation in Portrush, Co Antrim, where victims have paid deposits of between £100 and £200.
Similar to the Donegal scam, these victims hear nothing from the scammer once deposits are paid.
Chair of Scamwise NI Partnership, PSNI Superintendent Gerard Pollock, is warning people not to be conned.
“As the cost of living increases and more of us are holidaying at home, it’s…
