Operation Podium launched to protect the public from criminals.

Don’t help criminals cash in on the Olympics - that’s the message a police operation is aiming to drive home as tickets for the Paralympics go on sale.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Downing, of Operation Podium, said: “We have already seen the demand for Olympic tickets, which gives criminals greater opportunity to run scams, sell non-existent tickets and even steal your personal and credit card details to use in other crimes.

“Now that Paralympic tickets are on sale, don’t get caught out. Follow our simple and easy advice to make sure the ticket you buy is real. In the UK, the only official place to apply for tickets is through the London 2012 application process.”

As more and more tickets are sold over the internet, smart criminals know how easy it is to set up professional-looking fake sites.

Applications for tickets to the London 2012 Paralympic Games open at 9am on Friday (September 9). The official place to apply for tickets is www.tickets.london2012.com

You can also apply with a paper application form within the official ticketing guide and application form from any Lloyds TSB branch.

The official application process for UK and EU residents for Olympic Games tickets is now closed.

There are only three official providers for Games Breaks and Hospitality Packages - these are:

Thomas Cook - www.thomascooklondon2012.com

Prestige Travel - www.prestigeticketing.london2012.com

Jet Set Travel - www.jetsetsports.com

Other websites or companies will not be authorised to sell you a ticket as part of a package in the UK. Always check the terms and conditions to see exactly what you are being sold;

If you get a ticket for an event you can’t attend, London 2012 will operate an official ticket resale programme. Check their website checker at http://www.london2012.com/about-this-website/ticketing-website-checker.php for further details.