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Scam prevention In today’s digital age, booking holidays online has become increasingly popular, with around one in two French people opting for this method. However, caution is advised as many scams target unsuspecting travelers. Your criminal lawyer is there to advise you on how to handle such situations and protect your rights .
Recognize booking scams: identify red flags and warning signs:-
Scammers employ a simple process: they advertise accommodations on the Internet, with attractive photos and detailed descriptions. They even provide rental contracts and personal contacts. However, these well-organized networks, often operating out of African countries, falsely associate a property with the owner’s real name and advertise it without the owner’s consent.
Victims of these scams often realize they have been scammed when they arrive at the location, only to find the door locked despite having prepaid the rental. The search for recourse becomes difficult because the payment was made months in advance. Filing a complaint and reporting the scam to your bank are crucial steps, but success in recovering the funds is uncertain. Although efforts to combat these scams exist, the networks behind them are highly organized, quickly disappearing after defrauding hundreds of people.
Safeguarding Your Rights: Legal Strategies for Dealing with Booking Scams:-
To protect yourself, never pay the full amount of the rental in advance. Opt for the lowest possible deposit and, as a specialist in banking law, I recommend paying only the deposit by credit card for distance sales. Most consumers own a bank card, and many owners have virtual cash registers to accept online transactions. In the event of a scam, I can easily dispute the transaction on your behalf.
Moreover, the period for disputing such transactions is long, giving you plenty of time to realize that you have been scammed while on vacation. It’s understandable that customers are reluctant to provide their credit card details, but as long as the PIN is not disclosed, you can rest assured. In the event of fraudulent use in the context of distance selling, my firm will diligently pursue the reimbursement of unauthorized transactions.
At Cabinet DAMY, we specialize in banking law and we are committed to protecting your interests. Contact us for expert advice and legal assistance .
