How Fake Cabin Bookings and QR Code Scams Are Targeting National Park Visitors

• travel scams
• online booking fraud
• QR code scams

Tourists are being scammed by fake holiday cabin ads and fraudulent QR codes in National Parks. Learn how to protect your bookings and payments.

Fake Holiday Cabin Scams: A Rising Threat for Park Visitors

Tourists planning a relaxing stay in the North York Moors National Park recently found themselves victims of a sophisticated Facebook scam. Instead of arriving at a cosy cabin, many ended up at the National Park Authority’s head office in Helmsley—confused, disappointed, and out of pocket.

How the Cabin Booking Scam Works

• Fake Facebook and Instagram Ads: Scammers create professionally designed adverts for holiday cabins, often using stolen images and details from real businesses.
• Fraudulent Websites: The scam sites offer ‘half-price’ deals and provide a postcode that leads to the National Park’s HQ, not actual accommodation.
• False Confirmation Emails: Victims receive emails with details about cabins supposedly located on streets and in villages that don’t exist.
• Multiple Victims: The North York Moors National Park and the genuine cabin owner report regular calls and visits from people who have fallen for the scam.

Real Stories from Victims

One victim, Amy Bennett, spotted a cabin deal in a Facebook reel. After booking, the confirmation details seemed off. Quick research revealed the address was fake, prompting her to contact her bank. Though initially refused, her refund was granted after she provided evidence of the scam.

Fin Broadbent, owner of the genuine Wilding Airfield cabin, said the scammer had been running fake websites since May, using multiple domain name variations and sponsored ads to lure unsuspecting holidaymakers.

QR Code Scams in National Park Car Parks

The National Park Authority has also reported another scam involving fake QR code stickers on car park signs and payment machines. Fraudsters replace the park’s legitimate logos with QR codes that lead to phishing websites, tricking visitors into entering their payment details.

• Professional Stickers: The fake QR codes are high-quality and blend in with official signage, making them difficult to spot.
• Persistent Tactics: Scammers quickly replace removed stickers, showing how determined they are to steal payment details from unsuspecting visitors.

How to Avoid National Park Booking and Payment Scams

• Always double-check the accommodation address and business credentials before booking online.
• Be sceptical of deals advertised at unusually low prices, especially on social media platforms.
• Research the cabin or holiday park using official tourism and review sites, and confirm direct contact details.
• If in doubt, contact the business or park authority by phone before paying.
• For car park payments, pay at the machine when possible or access the pay-by-phone website/app directly from your browser or app store—never via a QR code you haven’t verified.
• Check that QR codes are mentioned elsewhere on signage and haven’t been stuck over an official logo.
• Contact your bank immediately if you suspect you’ve been scammed and provide any evidence you have.

What to Do If You’re a Victim

If you realise you’ve fallen for a fake booking or QR code scam:

• Contact your bank straight away to dispute the payment.
• Report the scam to the park authority and provide all details and correspondence.
• Notify Action Fraud (in the UK) or your local equivalent authority.
• Share your experience online to warn others and help prevent future scams.

Staying One Step Ahead

National Parks are wonderful places to explore, but scammers are increasingly targeting tourists with fake bookings and payment tricks. Stay vigilant by verifying all bookings and payment methods, double-checking contact details, and watching for anything unusual—especially QR codes and low-priced offers. If in doubt, always ask or research before you pay.