WITH just one week to go until the ticketing process for the Olympic Games opens, new advice has been launched to make sure it is the criminals who miss out.

The rise in the use of the internet to purchase tickets and accommodation packages online, coupled with the huge expected demand, has given criminals new opportunities to sell non-existent tickets and steal personal and credit card details to use in other crimes.

More than eight million tickets will be made available for the Olympic Games and a further two million for the Paralympics.

The ticket process for the Olympic Games opens on March 15 and runs until April 26.

Chief Superintendent David Griffith from Dorset Police said: “The 2012 Games will be one of the biggest sporting events this country has ever hosted, with nearly 11million tickets available for events right across the country.

“Criminals will be looking for ways to con and steal, either through selling fake tickets or setting up professional looking sites which may look honest, but could leave you a victim.

“There is some easy-to-follow advice which will help keep you safe and ensure you can enjoy the Games next year.”

The only way to apply for a ticket online in the UK is through London 2012’s official website at tickets.london2012.com. Postal applications can be obtained from Lloyds TSB branches. Tickets can be refunded through the London 2012 official ticket exchange.

The only three official providers for Games breaks and hospitality is by Thomas Cook, Prestige Travel and Jet Set Travel.

Other websites or companies will not be authorised to sell tickets as part of a package in the UK.

Outside of the UK London 2012 tickets are sold through the country’s National Olympic Committee, or their authorised retailer.

Tickets offered for sale before March 15, 2011 are not genuine and should be reported to Dorset Police or London 2012 via brandprotection@london2012.com