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Lawyer issues warning about holiday home websites
A law firm has renewed a warning to holidaymakers booking accommodation online after users of holiday lettings website Owners Direct handed over money for accommodation that didn’t exist or wasn’t available.
Lauren Haas, a solicitor in the travel team at BL Claims Solicitors, warned online scammers were likely to prey on couples searching for September bargains after the end of the school summer holidays.
She said holidaymakers were often unaware that they have very little legal protection if a listing on a holiday home website turns out to be inaccurate or fraudulent.
"It’s a case of buyer beware," she said. "Legitimate holiday rental websites are not generally liable for any financial losses incurred by people who fall victim to a scam – even if a criminal has used the site fraudulently – and they are under no obligation to carry out checks to verify whether what is being offered is available.
"Some sites have reacted by offering insurance against bogus advertisers and this is well worth considering. If you’re spending thousands on a holiday villa by bank transfer, a policy with fraud protection could give you peace of mind – just be sure to check the terms and conditions carefully.
"Be very suspicious if you are asked for the price of the rental upfront and are asked to send it to a foreign bank account or through a method such as Western Union or a telegraph transfer, as these payment methods are notorious for being used by criminal gangs.
"Don’t rely on PayPal protection – holidays are not covered by this. If you can, pay by UK credit card because as long as the sum you pay is more than £100, you will have protection under the Consumer Credit Act. And lastly, listen to common sense – generally speaking, if something seems too good to be true then it probably is."
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Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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