Consumers booking Black Friday holiday deals are being urged to avoid scams after people in the West Midlands lost more than half a million to fraud.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) advised people to ensure they are financially protected by using a credit card to pay, taking out travel insurance and checking whether a package holiday is covered by the Atol scheme.

City of London Police data shows UK consumers reported losing £11 million to holiday fraud last year.

Londoners had the biggest losses at nearly £2.5 million, while in the West Midlands £546,000 was lost.

Other regions significantly affected include Greater Manchester (£508,000) and Hampshire (£482,000).

Many genuine holiday retailers offer discounts around Black Friday and Travel Tuesday – which this year fall on N

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