Following some exciting progress for the travel sector last month, travel agents will now be able to report and find fraud sites on the latest database created for the industry.
The addition of a travel-sector-centric fraud site database is a fantastic step in the right direction. Coupled with other improvements in the industry pertaining to ‘drip-pricing’ and other enhanced powers of punishment, this could mean a safer travel industry that is far easier for travellers to navigate.
Previously, both travellers and travel professionals have only been able to report fraud sites through Action Fraud. Though this site is good for travellers looking to report fraudulent action, it has previously not been a swift process for taking down fraud sites in travel.
The encrypted database of known and confirmed travel fraudsters, The Travel Industry Intelligence Hub, have created an access portal called Domain Trust. Through this portal, travel agents will be able to contact domain suppliers and report or search fraud sites.
This means that the agents can not only alert relevant authorities but also contact the source that is supplying domains and the IP addresses associated with those domains. These IP addresses can then be blocked following an investigation to prevent any more travellers from falling victim to these fraud sites.
Chairman of PROFiT, Barry Gooch, said that training has already begun for agency consortia members of the intelligence hub, and stated, “It’s a valuable tool. Agents can see if their website name has been spoofed. It’s the first time they have had the opportunity to do this.
“Bogus websites divert customers to another website and firms lose business. It’s a major pathway for fraud; fraudsters will set up sites that sound like a travel company or have similar names.
“The offers will look legitimate, and they will often book the trip for the consumer but not pay the supplier. This issue has been bubbling away for a long time and we get reports of it on a fairly regular basis.”
So, if you’re looking forward to your next holiday, don’t wait, book now with a travel business member of PTS for 100% financial protection through trust. Or, if you’d like assistance choosing one of the lovely PTS members to book with, you can contact PTS directly at 0207 190 9988 or check us out on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
If you’d like to learn more about your financial protection with PTS or how the Package Travel Regulations protect your holiday booking, check out our pages and Travel Advice.
