The steps that will help you stay safe online

SCRUTINISE THE NAME

MANY scammers will choose a website name close to a genuine company. Check they have not simply altered a genuine web address suffix slightly, such as from .co.uk to .org.

CHECK REVIEWS

TRY TripAdvisor but also consider tapping in ‘fraud’ or ‘scam’ against the website’s name in an internet search to see if a scam has been reported.

SPEAK TO THE OWNER OR AGENT

PHONING is vital – you can ask questions about a property that reveal whether someone is genuine or not.

AVOID ANY UNSOLICITED APPROACHES

IF a company that is unknown to you makes contact by phone, email or text completely out of the blue offering great holiday deals – then be extra vigilant.

BE WARY OF BARGAINS

IF an offer is for a price much less than for similar properties – and asks you for rapid payment to secure the deal – be suspicious.

CHECK THE PAYMENT SYSTEM

A GENUINE company will use a system that shows https (‘s’ is for secure) and a padlock icon in its address bar.

ACT FAST IF DEFRAUDED

ALERT your bank quickly as it can only retrieve money if it has not already been withdrawn.

REPORT FRAUDS

GIVE details of scams to the national crime reporting centre Action Fraud – online or by calling 0300 123 2040.