The new AI holiday scam bombarding Facebook & Instagram - Which?

Have you booked a holiday this summer? How can you be sure it actually exists? In this episode of Which? Investigates, Erica McKoy uncovers a dangerous new holiday scam targeting holiday makers. Criminals are combining AI technology with stolen photos of real UK luxury getaways—like treehouses, glamping pods, and secluded retreats—to create slick, highly convincing fake ads on Facebook and Instagram. We speak with victims who paid hundreds for luxury stays only to find abandoned caravans, and visit independent business owners whose real properties are being mimicked by fraudsters. Plus, we dive into a Reuters investigation revealing how Meta makes billions from scam ads—and why automated filters fail to stop them. Watch this to learn how to stay safe online and protect your hard-earned money from scammers. 🔔 Subscribe to Which? for more consumer rights investigations, scam alerts, and expert advice: https://ift.tt/RgXxuvd 00:00 – Intro to luxury treehouse holiday scams 01:01 – A victim shares her £125 fake booking experience 01:46 – Real business owners discuss having their images stolen 04:15 – Psychological tactics used by scammers explained 06:12 – How fraudsters cycle through ads, websites, and numbers 07:59 – Backend analysis reveals scam site details 11:08 – Tips to spot fake listings and UK bank refund rights 12:54 – Meta’s internal documents reveal billions made from scam ads 13:45 – Online Safety Act updates and calls for platform action 📌 Read the full Which? investigation here: https://ift.tt/fIu9UQK 📌 Sign up for Which? Free Scam Alerts: https://ift.tt/vBzWI7N 📌 Report a fake listing or scam to Report Fraud: https://ift.tt/BxRvK9u