Brides and grooms to be are being warned of the potential risks of fraud involved in wedding planning.
With wedding season almost in full swing - and for those who are planning ahead of next year and beyond - the national Action Fraud team is asking people to be aware of the threat of fraudsters.
But what sorts of services pose a risk to these scammers when planning a wedding?
Well, according to bridesmagazine.co.uk, in 2017, the average wedding cost spend is approximately £30,111.
This will be paid out to multiple vendors including photographers, caterers, reception venues and travel companies, to name a few.
Many of these services will require booking at least several months in advance and you may be obliged to pay a deposit or even the full balance at the time.
Action Fraud is saying couples should be aware of the following targets and methods of prevention when planning their wedding:
What if the company folds before the big day?
Paying by credit card will provide you with protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, for purchases above £100 and below £30,000.
This means that even if a company goes into liquidation before your big day, you could claim a refund through your credit card company.
Social media scammers
Some companies run their businesses entirely via social media sites, offering low cost services.
While many are genuine, some may not be insured or may even be fraudulent.
There are a few things you can do to protect yourself like ensuring you obtain a physical address and contact details for the vendor, and verify this information.
Should you experience any problems, you will then be able to make a complaint to Trading Standards or consider pursuing via the small claims court.
Make sure you sign a contract
Ensure you obtain a contract before paying money for services.
Make sure you read the small print and fully understand what you are signing, and note the terms of cancellation.
Consider purchasing Wedding Insurance
Policies vary in cover and can be purchased up to two years in advance. They can protect you from events that would not be covered under the Consumer Credit Act.
Do your research
Complete research on each vendor, ensuring you are dealing with a bona fide person or company.
Explore the internet for reviews and ratings and ask the vendor to provide details of past clients you can speak to.
You should do this even if using companies recommended by a trustworthy friend or source.
Beware of the fakes
For services such as wedding photographers, beware of websites using fake images.
Look for inconsistencies in style; meet the photographer in person and ask to view sample albums.
If you like an image from a wedding, ask to view the photographs taken of the whole event so you can see the overall quality.
Remember, if something appears too good to be true, it probably is!
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