Avoid Becoming a Victim of Fraud

Prevention of Fraud in Travel – PROFiT advises consumers who are looking to book their travel arrangements to consider taking the following steps to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.

  • 1. Research your holiday provider before you book, don`t be afraid to ask questions, if the company you are booking with is legitimate they will be more that happy to answer your questions.
  • Before you make a booking make sure you know exactly what is included and ensure you have a break down of all the relevant costs.

  • 2. Check whether your travel company has customer protection in place, and/or when buying flights and accommodation together – look for the ATOL logo and number.
  • Be wary of travel companies that do not have ABTA, CAA, IATA, TTA, or TGTG membership and logos.Remember not all companies have to be a member of the above organisations so make sure you research what protection has to be in place. When booking accommodation only (hotel, apartment, villa, holiday park) no protection is required.

  • 3. Always check out the company you book with yourself on the bonding organisations website (as detailed above) and through web forums. To look up a company on web forums simple type the company name into Google.
  • Don`t just limit yourself to booking with big companies, all companies can be checked out by referring to web forums so don`t be scared booking with a small company or an individual owner.

  • 4. Where possible book using your credit card, although you may have to pay an additional admin fee when you spend over a 100 pound on a credit card you will have additional protection under the Consumer Credit Act.
  • Don`t just limit yourself to booking with big companies, all companies can be checked out by referring to web forums so don`t be scared booking with a small company or an individual owner.

    Some companies will not accept credit cards due to the cost of processing them. When making a booking be aware of companies that are not able to process credit cards but don`t let this stop you making a booking if you are happy with the company you are booking with.

  • 5. If you are making a booking over the telephone make sure you have the full name and telephone number of the person you have booked with. Additionally make sure you have contact details to speak to someone after your booking has been made.
  • 6. If you are making a booking online make a note of the web address and the associated contact details. Additionally make sure the site you are booking on is secure. On the address bar look out for a padlock and web addresses starting with shttp or https. If you are unsure if the website is safe contact the company via the telephone to discuss your concerns.

  • 7. Get the right documentation. You need a confirmation document from the organisation providing the travel arrangements with receipt of monies you have paid. If you’re buying just a flight, you will need either an ATOL confirmation, or the airline’s ticket or flight confirmation straightaway. Check the names on the documentation match with who you’ve paid. Check your bank and credit statements carefully.

Avoid becoming a victim of fraud, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is!!

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