Travellers warned of websites selling fake airline tickets
Rex
Travellers are being warned about websites selling fake airline tickets after more than 150 incidents were reported since January.
According to Action Fraud, the reporting centre of the National Fraud Authority, more than 100 of these occurred from April.
The scams see fraudulent websites claiming to be authorised travel agents and offering cheap flights. Package holidays, hotel stays and apartment rentals are also being sold by the fake companies, reports the Daiy Telegraph.
This comes after a survey by government advice service Get Safe Online revealed that one in three Britons do not confirm the authenticity of a travel provider before giving their payment details.
Action Fraud has advised holidaymakers to beware of overly cheap prices, research any unfamiliar holiday retailers and to book through reputable travel firms.
It says that if an agents claims to be a member of a trade body, like ABTA, it should be confirmed through the association's website.
Something else to look out for when booking your holiday online is the padlock symbol on your browser, which tells you that you're making a secure payment.
Action Fraud also warns shoppers to beware of traders who refuse to accept debit and credit card payments. In most cases, using a credit card will give you payment protection.
Background checking website 192.com advises consumers to check a company's name and address before booking. Speaking in the Telegraph, a spokesman said: 'Don't assume an advert is genuine just because the website is.'
'Research the property or hotel you're booking and verify that the address exists through web searches and online maps.'
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