GLOSSARY
Accommodation Fraud
FFA UK has been working with the Metropolitan Police’s Operation Podium to provide useful and informative advice to help make your Olympic and or Paralympics Games experience an enjoyable one.
If you are considering booking accommodation, renting a home when visiting the 2012 Games in London or around the UK, it is important that you take some prudent steps to protect you and your family from being potentially vulnerable, misled or exploited by criminal scams.
- The safest way to protect yourself from booking bogus accommodation is to book directly with an established hotel or through a reputable travel company.
- If using a travel company or agent ensure they are a member of a trade body such as ABTA or ATOL.
- If you decide to book independently you should exercise caution. Establish if you are dealing directly with the property owner or a letting agent.
- Research the property or hotel that you are booking. Verify that the address exists through web searches and online maps. Do the images match those on the advert? Check whether there are any reviews for the accommodation from previous visitors.
- If dealing with the property owner ask them about the property and the area in detail. Can you confirm that what they tell you is accurate from your own research? Consider using Google Street maps to confirm the property description.
- Research any agent that you are dealing with via an online search engine. Are there any reviews of the website or agent? Ask what checks the agent makes on the properties that they are advertising and its owner. Does the website use the padlock symbol to indicate the site is secure?
- If possible pay by credit card as this may protect your payment.
- When paying for accommodation, avoid paying by cash, money transfer agent or wire transfer.
- Always check the terms and conditions to confirm exactly what you are being sold. Double check your booking before travel, particularly if there is a long gap between making the booking and arrival.
- Be aware that fraudulent adverts do exist. If you have any doubts don't book it.
