06-07-2010, 15:11
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Founder
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Join Date: May 2001
Location: Colchester, UK
Posts: 3,824
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Ironically, a lot of the press are carrying a story today based on a Press Release by Get Safe Online.
According to the BBC: "Some scam websites use images and other material copied from reputable sites in order to attract holidaymakers, although they are often quickly shut down."
" To help UK web users book their last-minute getaways more securely, Get Safe Online’s new Travel Essentials Checklist is available from today at Get Safe Online. Developed in collaboration with ABTA, its top advice includes:
Too good to be true? – five-star holidays at two-star prices probably are. If something doesn’t seem right, take additional steps to verify the offer and if still in doubt, stay away.
Don’t fall for fake competition scams – similarly, a common trick by fraudsters is an email claiming you have won part of a luxury holiday, but need to pay a small fee to secure it.
Check for approval – find out if your holiday provider is a member of ABTA or comparable travel organisation. If not, particularly in the case of private rental, do an online search to see if other travellers have had a bad experiences
Check authenticity of private villa rentals - speak to the owner/agent directly via telephone; if the number isn’t provided email and request it. (Telephone numbers are displayed for ALL our Private Rentals at rentals.puertopollensa.com) Although some owners will be unwilling to disclose these on their websites, there should be no problems getting these at the booking contract stage when the owner knows you are serious and the owner is genuine.
Do your research – get the full address and find it on Google maps, and ask for a full contract which should set out all the terms and conditions of the rental, deposits, payment terms etc. "
I have contacted our local Trading Standards yet again today & they are still looking into pp4all.com as it has to be dealt with by 'Europe' (Black Hole?).
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