Incredible cities where British tourists most likely to get scammed

British tourists are being warned about the cities where they are most likely to fall victim to holiday scams, with a popular beach destination topping the list.

According to antivirus company McAfee, Britons lost a staggering £12 million to holiday scams in 2023 alone.

The company has identified the top ten riskiest destinations for tourists, with several popular spots for British holidaymakers making the list.

Leading the pack is Benidorm, Spain, a well-known hotspot for British tourists. The Costa Blanca region, where Benidorm is located, has seen a surge in fraudulent websites and adverts targeting unsuspecting visitors.

Following Benidorm on the list is Berlin in second place and Ibiza in third. Bangkok, which held the top spot last year, has dropped to sixth place.

Vonny Gamot, McAfee’s Head of EMEA, said: “Staying alert and taking early and proactive steps to manage your security, privacy, and online identity is extremely important as we head into the peak summer holiday season.

“If a deal sounds too good to be true, it’s best to avoid clicking; instead, go direct to the source and book with reputable companies.”

Holidaymakers are also advised to be cautious of businesses and social media accounts that appear professional. Reviews can be manipulated, with some sites removing negative feedback to boost their ratings.

Third-party platforms like Trustpilot are recommended for checking a website’s credibility.

Here are the top 10 riskiest destinations for British tourists in 2023:

1. Benidorm, Spain

2. Berlin, Germany

3. Ibiza, Balearic Islands

4. Valletta, Malta

5. Albufeira, Portugal

6. Bangkok, Thailand

7. Maldives, South Asia

8. Dubai, UAE

9. New York, USA

10. Dublin, Ireland

Travelers are urged to exercise caution and thoroughly research before booking holidays to avoid falling prey to scams.