ABTA has developed two new helplines providing 30 minutes of free advice to members.

Focusing on chargeback support and cybersecurity, the helplines form part of ABTA’s support resource, which also includes advice on employment law, mergers and acquisitions, crisis support, a VAT helpline, and training and recruitment.

Regarding chargebacks, ABTA said in a statement: “Due to the ongoing pandemic, many refunds have been severely delayed mainly due to suppliers not issuing refunds swiftly, [and] some customers have now turned to their card provider and asked them to raise a chargeback.

“In some cases, ABTA members have been receiving chargebacks from their merchant provider even when a customer has already received a refund.

“The chargeback helpline will help clarify contracts or misrepresentation under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, advise when a chargeback can be challenged as well as the correct processes for doing this successfully.”

As for cybersecurity, the helpline will “advise on current threats in the industry” and focus on the technology available to mitigate attacks and breaches.

It will also help members form a “plan for investigating attacks and establishing a response plan”.

ABTA director of partnerships and events Alice Catterall said: “The ABTA partner helplines provide an invaluable resource for our members with 30 minutes of free, expert advice on a wide range of issues.

“The two latest additions on how to dispute a chargeback and cybersecurity have been chosen as both areas can have very serious implications for our members’ businesses and I would strongly recommend that all our members take the time to access the helplines to put processes in place to safeguard their businesses.”