Deluge of fake sickness claims expected

Holidaymakers are being urged not to make false sickness compensation claims as the peak holiday season draws to a close.

Abta issued the warning as unscrupulous claims firms are predicted to bombard customers returning home telling them they are “entitled” to claim from a pot of money set aside by the government or their travel firm.

Abta said holidaymakers could face criminal prosecution if they make a false or exaggerated claim.
Tui and Thomas Cook have begun successfully challenging claims after Abta reported the number of fraudulent claims had increased by 500% since 2013.

Mark Tanzer, Abta chief executive, said: “Holidaymakers need to understand that making a fraudulent claim will have consequences. People should be very wary of any company that encourages them to make a dishonest or exaggerated claim. Whatever a claims firm might say, fake claims are fraud.”
Travel Weekly launched its Fight Fake Claims campaign in June, and Abta has lobbied government and publicised the issue under its Stop Sickness Scams initiative.

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