September 23rd 2019
The collapse of travel group Thomas Cook has brought major concerns for its 150,000 customers currently on holiday abroad, and thousands of other people with future bookings. 22,000 jobs, including 9,000 in the UK, are also at risk, as are the investments of the group’s many shareholders.
However, today Get Safe Online is warning that it will spark a rash of scams, perpetrated by fraudsters exploiting the 178- year-old firm’s compulsory liquidation. Typically of such situations, you may receive emails, texts, phone calls or messages/posts on social media claiming to be either from the Official Receiver, Thomas Cook itself or a legal firm, offering refunds and/or compensation. These may request details of your bank account or ask you to click on a link. Alternatively, they could request an upfront payment as a fee for handling compensation claims.
Such communications could be received whether you are a Thomas Cook customer or not, with the fraudsters relying on hitting some genuine customers amongst the thousands of people they target randomly. Shareholders may also be targeted by such scams.
Only Thomas Cook customers who are currently abroad – or who have booked future holidays or travel – will receive genuine communications from either the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) or one of the two firms appointed as Special Managers in respect of various group companies: AlixPartners UK LLP or KPMG LLP. If you do receive an online or telephone communication from any of these organisations, you can always communicate with them direct to ensure they are authentic.
For any creditor queries please contact [email protected]
For shareholder queries please contact [email protected]
