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Tips for Smart Travelers

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.
• "Traveler's Advisory: Get What You Pay For"
• "Timeshare Resales"
• "Timeshare Tips"

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