The Federal Trade Commission has targeted travel fraud as
one of its top ten priorities because of the large number of complaints it receives daily.
Here are some consumer tips from the FTC:
Be wary of "great deals" and
low-priced offers. Few legitimate businesses can afford to give away products and services
of real value or substantially undercut other companies' prices;
Don't be pressured into buying. A good
offer today will be a good offer tomorrow. Legitimate businesses don't expect you to make
snap decisions;
Ask detailed questions. Find out
exactly what the price covers and what it doesn't. Be sure to ask about additional
charges, as well;
If you do decide to buy, get all information
about the trip in writing. Once you receive the written information, make sure it
reflects what you were told over the phone and the terms you agreed to;
Don't give your credit card number or bank
information over the phone unless you know the company with whom you are working;
Be aware that when you place your
business card or name into a drawing for a free vacation, you may be added to a
telemarketing call-out list;
Be aware that your personal information
can also be collected via the Internet when you are visiting travel-related sites seeking
deals on trips or airfare;
Don't send money by messenger or overnight mail.
Some "scam artists" may ask you to send them money immediately. If you pay with
cash or check, as opposed to using a credit card, you lose your right to dispute any
potential fraudulent charges under the Fair Credit Billing Act; and
When in doubt, say "no." If
you have any doubts about the trustworthiness of a company, trust your instincts. It's
less risky to turn down the offer and hang up the phone.
Additional information is available from the FTC:
"Facts for Consumers:
Telemarketing Travel Fraud." contains information on how telemarketers
obtain consumers' names and the techniques they employ to convince people to purchase
their products. It also explains how consumers can protect themselves from travel-related
telemarketing scams.
"Avoid a School Break Bust,"
is designed to help students and their parents identify and avoid travel scams when
planning vacations. It includes a variety of tips regarding the companies that market
these trips.
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