Holidaymakers have been warned that fraudsters are targeting people looking for cheap flights abroad.

Staffordshire Police say travellers looking to go to African nations or the Middle East are popular targets for such con artists, particularly during religious holidays.

Victims reportedly buy their plane tickets through a ticket website and are asked to pay through bank or wire transfer, but some firms turn out to be bogus and travellers lose their money.

Officers are now warning people to be careful when trying to buy flight tickets and to research the companies they are purchasing from.

A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: "Victims have reported booking tickets via websites or a 'popular' ticket broker, only to discover that, after payment via bank transfer or electronic wire transfer, the tickets/booking references received are counterfeit.

"In some cases, all communications between the company or broker and the victim have been severed."

Police officers are now advising people to:

  • Be cautious when asked to pay into a private account.
  • Research any company before paying for tickets.
  • Check the company website thoroughly.
  • Be aware when purchasing flights from a third party.
  • Look for the logo of recognised trade bodies such as ABTA or ATOL.
  • If you have been affected by this, or any other type of fraud, report it to police on 101 or Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040.