Norfolk Constabulary are urging members of the public to be careful when booking accommodation online for next year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games.

We want to make sure you don’t get caught out by fraudsters and encourage you to follow our top tips to make sure the accommodation and the tickets that you buy are genuine:

• The safest way to protect yourself from booking bogus accommodation is to book directly with an established hotel or through a reputable travel company.
• If using a travel company ensure they are a member of a trade body such as ABTA, the Travel Association or the Air Travel Organisers Licensing, (ATOL).
• If you decide to book independently you should exercise caution. Establish if you are dealing directly with the property owner or a letting agent.
• Research the property or hotel that you are booking - verify that the address exists through web searches and online maps. Do the images match those on the advert? Check whether there are any reviews for the accommodation from previous visitors.
• If dealing with the property owner ask them about the property and the area in detail. Can you confirm that what they tell you is accurate from your own research?
• Research any agent that you are dealing with via an online search engine. Are there any reviews of the website or agent? Ask what checks the agent makes on the properties that they are advertising and its owner? Does the website use the Padlock symbol to indicate the site is secure?
• When paying for accommodation never pay by cash or use a Money Transfer Agent such as Western Union or Moneygram as these are not intended for commercial payments.
• If possible pay by credit card as this may protect your payment.
• Always check the terms and conditions to confirm exactly what you are being sold.
• Double check your booking before travel, particularly if there is a long gap between making the booking and arrival.

Be aware that fraudulent adverts do exist. If you have any doubts do not book it!