“With the heat come summer scams” is the tagline given to the PSP’s alert, which offers advice on how to avoid the pitfalls of bogus holiday accommodation.
It stresses when trawling the internet for options, holidaymakers should be wary of advertisers who only provide a mobile phone number and email.
The authority also suggests asking a friend to try and make a reservation for the same property for the same period, and, the PSP warns, if it is accepted, alarm bells should ring.
Other tips include comparing property prices within the same area, and using only trustworthy sites and advertisers with plenty of personal info available; better still, property owners who have been reviewed on blogs or forums.
Lastly, the PSP urges people to get in touch with local tourism associations should doubts arise.