Jet2holidays hires private detectives to combat false holiday sickness claims

The private detectives will be out in resorts, looking out for touts and claims management companies (CMCs) “attempting to lure holidaymakers into making false claims”.

They will be acting on customer tip-offs too and have been tasked to report such activity to Jet2holidays and the local police.

“These touts and companies are peddling fraud and are brazenly handing out leaflets telling British holidaymakers that they can cover the cost of their trip by just filling out a form, irrespective of whether they have been ill or not,” said Jet2holidays in a statement on its website.

“The detectives we have recruited have one purpose and one purpose only - to prevent this dishonest behaviour from ruining the holidays of our customers.

“What holidaymakers might not realise is that this is fraud and if caught they personally could bear the brunt of the law - not the claims firms.”

Elsewhere, the Foreign Office has updated its travel advice to Spain, warning people about the dangers of handing over their personal information to touts abroad.

It highlights “reports of an increase in holidaymakers being encouraged to submit a claim for personal injury if they have experienced gastric illness during their stay” and then advises “if you make a false or fraudulent claim, you may face legal proceedings in the UK or Spain”.

Jet2holidays continued: “We are confident that these steps will do two things; warn touts to leave our customers alone and let them enjoy their holiday in peace, while also encouraging people to report suspicious behaviour.

“The net really is tightening on this dishonest and deceitful practice, and we will not relent until these touts stop trying to take advantage of British holidaymakers.”