Simple steps that help you stay safe when booking

BE WARY of booking websites that appear high up in a search engine listing but have not been in business long. Search a site’s name plus the word ‘scam’ to see if anyone has reported a fraud.

CHECK domain names carefully – for changes from .co.uk to .org, for example. The same goes for email addresses. One doing the rounds ends with ‘airbnb.co.com’.

DO an internet search of the owner and property. Google Earth and Street View can reveal whether the place actually exists. If a company has defrauded others it is likely victims will post warnings online.

ENSURE email addresses are genuine. By clicking on the address, the full name will appear – and if bogus will often reveal a bizarre string of letters and words.

DO NOT fall for hoax tactics such as ‘We’ll meet you at the airport’ designed to prompt a rapid booking.

BE suspicious if the availability for a luxury property is good in high season and offered at a discounted price.

CHECK for logos. It can be reassuring to see a company is a member of a recognised trade body such as the Association of British Travel Agents. But these can be copied and pasted, so verify membership at abta.com.

PHONE the owner and test them with questions about the locality that you can then verify.

AVOID paying directly into an owner’s bank account.

Where possible, use a credit card or a debit card that offers protection if things go wrong.

STANDARD travel insurance will not cover fraudulent bookings. Some sites such as HomeAway, which includes brand Owners Direct, offer fraud guarantees that refund losses in full if payment was through their payment platform and up to £700 if made outside.

REPORT a scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at actionfraud. police.uk.