Find a reputable agent and only accept bookings through them.

It will be even more important to make sure, as a landlord or tenant, to choose a reputable agent, and one that belongs to a consumer protection group.

So much so that if they can't find a reputable agent to provide a simple service, they may step in themselves.

But it would be more reassuring if that individual were properly regulated in the first place - something reputable agents have long demanded.

And ships belonging to reputable owners, based in reputable countries, chartered to reputable customers and carrying reputable cargoes secured by reputable agents indeed do just that.