As you plan your holidays, beware of online agents' 'fake' luxury getaways

A holiday destination.

A holiday destination. Digital travel scams are a growing "systemic and global" problem, according to the World Travel Organisation, a branch of the UN. PHOTO | SHUTTERSTOCK

By Rafael Barifouse and Oana Marocico

Digital travel scams are a growing "systemic and global" problem, according to the World Travel Organisation, a branch of the UN. Dozens of Brazilian women have been finding this out the hard way, after paying for luxury holidays from a man whose Instagram account sparkles with opulent hotels and exotic locations.