Holiday Makers Warned About Websites

Warwickshire Police Warn Holiday Makers Not To Hand Over Personal Details

Following concerns raised by a member of the public with Warwickshire Police about the legitimacy of an internet site, the Force is warning internet surfers to be wary of a website offering parking near to Coventry Airport.

The airport customer who comes from Oxfordshire, was recently surfing the web looking for parking near to Coventry Airport, as an alternative to the airport car parking offered by the airport itself. He found a site - flairparking.co.uk - which he thought offered what he was looking for and tried to book it. He followed the booking instructions, giving his name and address, dates when he would be away from his house and also his credit card details for payment. He then tried to send the booking request to secure his parking space, but on hitting the send button - received a message back "unable to process the application at this time." It was then that he contacted Warwickshire Police with his suspicions.

Following initial investigations, Warwickshire Police has found links with flairparking.co.uk and several other similar websites including flareparking.co.uk, cryptarch.com and fourpenny.com. All of these sites claim to be exclusively for ThomsonFly customers which is untrue.

Kimberley Kay, Director of Communications for Coventry Airport said: "This website is nothing to do with either ThomsonFly or Coventry Airport and for peace of mind, I would urge customers to use the official parking offered through the ThomsonFly or Coventry Airport websites or to check out any other parking arrangements carefully."

Speaking of the problems the customer had with this website, DC Adrian Shaw said: "We have had reports that similar problems with websites have been experienced throughout the country and I would urge people to be wary of any site that falsely claims to be linked with a company.

"In addition, it is never a good idea to pass personal details via an unsecured website. People should always follow safeguards recommended by credit card companies and if you have any doubts don't give out your details."

Recommended Safeguards to prevent fraud:

1. Make sure you know who you are dealing with before disclosing card details. If in any doubt undertake additional checks before handing over the details.
2. Use a computer that you know is secure - which means one with up-to-date anti-virus software and a firewall installed. Be particularly wary of making a transaction using internet cafes or public computers.
3. Only shop at secure websites - ensure the security icon (the locked padlock or unbroken key symbol) is showing in your browser window before sending your card details.
4. The beginning of the retailer's internet address should change from http to https when a purchase is made using a secure connection.
5. Use the sites you can trust, for example sites you know or that have been recommended or that carry the TrustUK logo.
6. Always be wary of e mails asking you to disclose or confirm sensitive personal or security information, including your PIN.
7. Keep a record of any transactions you make and preferably print it out in case of problems in the future.
8. Regularly check your statement for unfamiliar transactions.