Beijing, December 18 - Domestic online travel website Qunar issued an official statement today pointing out that Google's lax review of its advertisers had led to the occurrence of 400 telephone fraud, and Qunar had already sent a written document of serious negotiation to Google.
It is understood that recently, the Capital Airport Branch of the Beijing Administration for Industry and Commerce received multiple consumer complaints, stating that after purchasing electronic airline tickets through the network, they were unable to obtain the tickets normally or could not travel normally. Upon investigation, it was found that these consumers all used the ticket purchase phone numbers starting with "400" searched on the "Qunar" website. Tempted by low discounts, without confirmation, they easily transferred the ticket fees to the designated account, leading to problems. Preliminary analysis shows that these "400" ticket sales phones are all suspected of fraud.
Qunar stated that the occurrence of the 400 telephone fraud mainly resulted from Google placing advertisements on the Qunar website (commonly known as Google AdSense). Currently, the company has blocked all air ticket-related advertising placements by Google on the Qunar website, preventing the recurrence of 400 telephone fraud. A written document of serious negotiation has also been sent to Google.
The official response from Qunar regarding this incident:
As the world's largest Chinese online travel website and a responsible Chinese enterprise, Qunar has always adhered to the attitude of being responsible to consumers and society. Qunar also sincerely appreciates the supervision and urging of the Beijing Administration for Industry and Commerce. And genuinely accepts criticism and guidance from consumers and all sectors of society.
The complaints mentioned by the Beijing Administration for Industry and Commerce occurred in mid-October this year, caused by Google placing advertisements on the Qunar website (commonly known as Google AdSense). Due to Google's lack of strict review of its advertisers, it led to the occurrence of 400 telephone fraud.
Upon discovering the incident, Qunar immediately contacted the consumers and assisted them in filing a report. There are complete written records and audio materials for the entire process of complaint, handling, and aftermath, available for police review at any time.
At the same time, upon discovering the incident, Qunar immediately blocked all air ticket-related advertising placements by Google on its website, preventing the recurrence of 400 telephone fraud. A written document of serious negotiation was also sent to Google.
Within three days after the incident occurred in mid-October, Qunar properly handled the matter.
Introduction to Qunar's suppliers and Qunar's compensation plan:
Currently, the 558 air ticket agents found on Qunar all possess the certification qualification certificate issued by the China Air Transport Association (CATA) for air transport sales agents (commonly known as the "agent bronze plaque"), and Qunar reviews the validity of their qualifications annually. On August 31 this year, the China Consumers Association issued a document endorsing that all Qunar air ticket suppliers have CATA certification, which is a guarantee of consumer rights.