Thomas Cook refund site targeted by fraudsters

Customers urged to make sure they put their details into CAA-approved application process

Fraudsters are suspected of targeting a website created to refund Thomas Cook customers, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has said.

The aviation regulator said it has taken “urgent action” over the suspicious online activity and will inform the police.

It has added further verification checks to its refund process and pledged to seek prosecutions where there is evidence of deception.

Some of the concern is understood to have risen from a series of low-level claims, which often indicates fraud.

Around 100,000 claims have been made since the website went live on Monday morning.

It was set up to enable people with Atol-protected bookings for Thomas Cook holidays due to begin after the firm collapsed on September 23 to obtain refunds.

This relates to more than 360,000 bookings covering trips set to be taken by 800,000 people.

Atol-protected customers who were already abroad can also claim for the cost of replacing the parts of their holiday which were financially protected, or expenses for delayed flights.

The CAA is aiming to pay refunds within 60 days of receiving a valid form and wants to crack down on fraudulent activity to avoid any delay.

Dame Deirdre Hutton, who chairs the organisation, said: “If you have made a claim directly with us, then your claim is being processed and you do not need to take any action.

“Please help us to combat the risk of fraud by not submitting your details to any other website.

“Our focus is on getting money back to the right people as soon as possible and combating fraud in every way possible.”

Picture: PA. Thomas Cook customers were affected after the firm went bust last month. Aviation regulator the CAA has now taken “urgent action” over suspicious online activity concerning a refund website.