Dream holiday or short break? Book it safely, and don't become a victim of holiday fraud

We’ve teamed up with Get Safe Online to bring you expert tips to help protect you when booking a holiday. Make sure you:

• thoroughly research private advertisements for accommodation, flights, cruises or package holidays, to check that they are authentic
• check reviews on Trip Advisor, or similar sites
• check that accommodation really exists by finding it on Google Maps and, if you can, call the owner/agent directly. If the number is not provided, email and request it
• remember that paying by credit card means you have more chance of getting your money back, if something goes wrong.
• never transfer money in payment for accommodation or travel. If you do, and it’s a fraud, your bank will not be obliged to refund your money
• type in the correct website address if paying online, rather than following a link - ensure the payment page is secure - it should begin with ‘https’ and display a locked padlock
• are wary of unusually cheap holidays or requests for high deposits
• read terms and conditions before making any payment
• keep the confirmations and payment receipts and check your statements for irregular entries
• confirm that travel agents and tour operators are members of trade associations, such as ABTA or ATOL. You can do this on these bodies’ websites

If you think you’ve been a victim of holiday or any other fraud, report it immediately to Action Fraud online or tel: 0300 123 2040.

For everything you need to know about safely booking holidays and travel online, visit www.getsafeonline.org/safebreaks