MFraudsters may use the London 2012 Olympic Games as an opportunity to commit fraud.

Tickets for the Olympics can only be purchased from London 2012’s official website or by postal application from any Lloyds TSB branch. If you see tickets for sale on any other website, do not buy them – it is likely to be a scam.

• The London 2012 ticket application process is now closed.
• You may be able to buy unwanted tickets that others want to resell later. The only way to apply for a ticket in the UK is at www.tickets.london2012.com. This is London 2012's official site. You can also get a postal application from any Lloyds TSB branch, or from any public library in Northern Ireland. Don't buy a ticket from an unauthorised website or tout. You risk being scammed, and not getting the ticket you wanted and paid for.
• If you get a ticket for an event you can't attend, you can return your ticket to get a refund through the London 2012 official ticket exchange. Your ticket will then be officially resold. Details of this will be announced in due course.
• There are only three official providers for Games Breaks and Hospitality Packages in the UK - these are:
  • Thomas Cook
  • Prestige Travel
  • Jet Set Travel 
• Other websites or companies will not be authorised to sell you a ticket as part of a package in the UK. Always check the terms and conditions to see exactly what you are being sold.
• Outside of the UK London 2012 tickets are sold through the country's National Olympic Committee, or their authorised retailer.
• Applications for Paralympic Games tickets will open on 9 September 2011 via the London 2012 website. If you find tickets for sale before this date, don't buy them as they are not genuine. 
• If you find tickets for sale before the 15 March 2011 or available from any unauthorised source at anytime, don't buy them. They are not genuine. Report it to your local police or London 2012 via brandprotection@london2012.com

Accommodation during the Olympics

Be aware of accommodation-related fraud during the Olympics by reading the following advice.

• 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!