My easy mistake on a girls’ holiday cost me £10K – a lot of people do the exact same thing I did
HOLIDAYS are the perfect time to let loose and relax, but that doesn’t mean you can let your guard down.
One woman shared how an easy mistake while she was abroad cost her over £10,000.
In her viral video, TikTok user Lydia Jasmine (@lydiajasmine__) recounted the story of how her bank account was drained without her knowledge.
The young woman explained that she had been on a holiday in Zante, located on the Greek island Zakynthos, when the crime occurred.
Lydia and her friend had booked a “booze cruise” boat trip on the second day of their visit.
The girls decided to take a small bag each to only carry the essentials needed for the day.
For Lydia, this included her phone, ID, bank card, and “a couple of euros.”
She recalled how her bag was in her possession at all times and the only time it was out of her sight was when she went for a swim in the ocean.
Lydia explained that her friend stayed on board and minded their belongings.
However, when she got out of the water she noticed that her phone was no longer in her bag.
While the boat crew assured her they would search everyone as they disembarked, she was not able to recover her phone.
“My biggest mistake that holiday was putting my driving license in the back of my phone,” she told her followers.
Lydia revealed that this was not due to the hassle of having to apply for a replacement but actually because of a security measure.
She explained that her phone passcode was her date of birth, which was obviously listed on her license.
Not only was the thief able to unlock her phone with this information, they were also able to use it to access her online banking.
Lydia recalled how she “kept checking the account frantically” and even froze all her cards.
However, when she returned home from her trip she noticed a bank transfer was authorised from her account.
Holiday safety tips
The Association of British Travel Agents shared their top tips for safety and security abroad.
- Avoid keeping your passport, wallet and other valuables in your back pocket.
- Pay particular attention to your surroundings in areas with large numbers of holidaymakers, such as landmarks and public transport.
- If there is a safe in your room, put your cash, credit cards, and other valuables inside.
- Unless required to carry it on your person, leave your passport at your hotel.
- Make sure any taxi you use is properly licensed. Never accept a lift from an unlicensed taxi or a stranger.
- Be wary of unsolicited offers of help from friendly locals, many may be genuine, others may not.
- If possible, never walk home alone.
- If you are the victim of a crime, report the matter to the local police immediately.
- In the event of a security incident, follow the advice and instruction of the staff or local authorities.
- If you are caught up in a security incident and are not sure what action to take, follow the guidance to ‘Run, Hide, Tell.’
“One singular bank transfer of £12,242 had been sent to someone called Jessica,” she said.
Lydia went on to open a police investigation and was even able to provide the authorities with the location of the thief using the Find My iPhone feature.
She said that the situation was eventually resolved but still warned others not to make the same mistake.
TikTok users shared their thoughts on the incident in the comments section.
“Wow, what a costly mistake,” wrote one viewer.
“Moral of the story is don’t make passwords with your date of birth,” said another person.
“I’m not even being dramatic, this would finish me,” commented a third person.