CAA warns holidaymakers about bogus websites

Reports of customers being left out-of-pocket, without the holiday they paid for, has prompted the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to warn UK holidaymakers to beware of bogus travel companies online which are falsely displaying the ‘ATOL Protected’ logo.

By law, every UK travel company which sells air holidays is required to hold an ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence) but some websites have been displaying the ATOL logo when they are not members of the protection scheme. Some of these scam sites, which are often operated from abroad, are taking customers’ money, issuing fake travel documents and leaving customers without a holiday.

Before you book a holiday which includes flights, look for the ATOL Protected logo and check that it is valid. If your holiday is ATOL Protected the CAA will organise for you to be refunded or flown home if your travel company becomes insolvent.

Reduce your risk of becoming the next victim:

• Look for an ATOL logo
• Check that this is legitimate by entering the ATOL number on the CAA website. Check an ATOL
• Make sure that you receive an ATOL certificate once you have booked your trip.
• If you have any doubts don’t hand over any money

Look for the signs of a scam website:

• The ATOL logo may not include the unique reference number
• Cheap flight prices that may seem too good to be true to all parts of the world
• Poor quality or no contact details available
• No online payment facility

Richard Jackson, Group Director for Consumer Protection at the CAA, said: “ATOL gives you the peace of mind that you won’t lose your money and will get home safely even if your travel company goes bust.

“However, we are aware of a number of bogus websites advertising unusually cheap deals, which are operated from abroad and falsely claiming to have ATOL protection.

“It is really important that customers look beyond the price and check, and double check, the travel company has ATOL protection. Once you’ve confirmed this and paid for your holiday, make sure you get an ATOL certificate.”

If you feel you have been the victim of a scam contact the Citizens Advice Bureau who work with trading standards teams across the country to investigate fraud.

Help protect others by reporting any websites which you suspect may be bogus.

Financial protection for holidays which fall outside of the ATOL scheme

ATOL Protection applies to package holidays which include a flight, as well as what are termed flight plus holidays, which include a flight plus accommodation or flight plus car hire booked through the same supplier.

If you have booked flights or a holiday direct with an airline or booked your flights and accommodation from separate suppliers you should consider protecting your holiday against the risk of insolvency by purchasing travel insurance which includes Scheduled Airline/End Supplier Failure cover.

Insurewithease.com includes Scheduled Airline/End Supplier Failure cover on all policies.

Get a travel insurance quote >>

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