Travel agent claims to be ABTA member but they are not

[Blueash]

I have paid £100 deposit for a holiday next May but I am increasingly wary of paying the remaining £4000 because the customer service so far has been dreadful. Plus although they say on their website that they are ABTA members when I searched for them using both their name and the number they give ABTA say they are not members.

Can I simply refuse to pay the remainder and forfeit my deposit or should I inform them and what wording would be appropriate?

If it was me, I'd keep it short & simple, something like :

"It appears you are not a member of ABTA as you claimed. I am cancelling the holiday, please refund my £100 deposit."

How did you pay?

Did they also claim ATOL membership?
I'd report them to ABTA & ATOL, but after you get a refund.

What's the name of the company ?

Thanks Georgyporky I did that and it worked!!

Definitely report them to ABTA and also your local trading standards so that they don't screw other people out of money or holidays !!