Brits in Turkey and Bulgaria now being coerced into making bogus sickness claims
The Foreign Office has extended its advice to holidaymakers not to make false personal injury claims to more popular summer sun destinations.
It was already warning travellers to Spain and Portugal of the risks of making bogus claims to win compensation from hotels or tour operators.
This week, as ABTA launches a political and public campaign to make people aware of the financial risk of submitting fake claims, the Foreign Office has extended its warning to Turkey and Bulgaria.
In an update to its travel advice to Turkey, it said: "You should only consider pursuing a complaint or claim if you have genuinely suffered from injury or illness; if you make a false or fraudulent claim, you may face legal proceedings in the UK or Turkey."
Its advice is the same for Bulgaria.
The Foreign Office said there had been reports of an increase in holidaymakers being encouraged to submit a claim for personal injury if they have experienced gastric illness during their stay.
ABTA’s campaign, Stop Sickness Scams, encourages members of the public to report firms who try to coerce them into claiming compensation for holiday illnesses.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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