Travel websites advertising special deals and cheap flights that in reality turn out to be more expensive could face prosecution following an investigation by the Office of Fair Trading.

More than 50 UK travel websites offering potentially misleading deals have been uncovered in a worldwide search of the internet. The OFT and 55 UK local trading standards authorities were among the 87 agencies in over 20 countries that took part in the study.

The OFT survey was part of a worldwide investigation by the International Consumer Protection Network. More than 1,000 websites were discovered to have potentially misleading offers. Initial analysis suggests that 40% (54 out of 135) of British websites visited during the search were found to be similarly inaccurate.

The claims now under investigation include: · "Hot deals" on a front page which bore no resemblance to the prices of the holiday actually available on the website.
· An advertisement stating "Australia from £599" when the cheapest price was £891.60.

· An offer of seven nights in Austria in March for £99, when the cheapest price was £259.

· A claim of "up to 70% discount off worldwide hotel rooms" with no further mention of any savings or discounted deals.
· A special offer of £64 per person per night with certain conditions when it could not be booked for less than £128 pppn.

· The UK-based sites identified are being pursued either by local trading standards authorities or the OFT with a view to taking further action.

OFT chairman John Vickers said: "The internet is a valuable and expanding resource for consumers and for business. "Online shoppers must have the same protection afforded by the high street, and if traders breach fair trading law, the OFT will pursue them."