ABTA is warning holidaymakers about the risks of booking with fraudulent companies after seeing an increase in fake websites, online scams and non-compliant travel companies that have no financial protection in place.
According to City of London Police, travel fraud is up 425% year on year, costing holidaymakers £11.5 million.
With a third of summer holidays typically booked during January and February, ABTA is concerned that people are particularly vulnerable at this time of year.
It has launched a nationwide campaign today, providing a list of warning signs for customers to look out for, such as companies not providing ATOL certificates, cloned websites, businesses requesting online bank transfers and those falsely boasting of ABTA, IATA or ATOL membership.
ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer said: "We have seen a significant increase in fraudulent activity over the past year, so we are encouraging all holidaymakers to stop and think about the company they are booking with.
"I would encourage people to book with an ABTA travel company, so they can rest assured that their holiday company is genuine and covered by our Code of Conduct."
