GMP’s Economic Crime Unit is holding a week of action following an increase in phantom booking scams. Last week six victims of holiday fraud were reported in the Greater Manchester area, with an average loss of £650.

The unit’s Detective Sergeant Stacey Shannon said: “We have reached that time of year, with the weather being cold, that people have started to look for holidays in the summer.

“Our prevention officers, staff and volunteers are out doing everything we can to protect our community from holiday fraud. It is a devastating crime involving hundreds of pounds worth of hard-earned money that is going straight into fraudster’s pockets.”

She added: “Ensure you don’t reply to unsolicited emails, texts, social media or calls with holiday offers. Links and attachments in emails may lead to malicious websites or download viruses.”

The unit also advises consumers: “Book a holiday directly with an airline or hotel, or through a reputable agent. Check whether they’re a member of Abta.”

Other precautions, GMP said, are to avoid websites without padlock icons in the address bar and to pay with a credit or debit card rather than bank transfers.

Advantage added: “It’s crucial that people make sure that when booking their holiday they book it with a reputable agent and that they also ensure their holiday is financially protected. 

“People can be trusting when it comes to booking their hard-earned trip away and can come unstuck. We would always advocate that people shop around for the best deal and, where possible, book a package holiday that is Atol protected, which means that they will get their money back, should anything go wrong.”