In this consumer alert we will discuss Travel Scams and the different ways you can protect yourself from being taken by con-artists.
The season to plan a trip and see the world is here. But don’t be caught off guard, as the Telemarketers and con-artists are out there ready to take your money.
Many of these scams start when you receive a certified postcard that says,
“Pack your bags! This certifies that you will receive a world class Hawaiian vacation offer for you and a friend.” The word “offer” often is a clue to hidden charges. The postcard or certificate tells you to call a number for details about the trip. And when you call, you are given a sales pitch for a luxurious trip.
The salesperson may ask you for your credit card number to bill your which usually includes instructions for making trip reservations requests. Your request often times is accompanied by yet another fee. In addition, many offers require you to pay port charges, hotel taxes, tips as well as other service fees. And these can really add up fast. Your bargain trip is no longer a bargain.
Telemarketing travel scams usually originate out of “boiler rooms.” Very skilled salespeople often with years of experience selling dubious products and services over the phone, pitch travel packages that may sound legitimate, but often are not.
These pitches usually include but are not limited to:
The Affordable Offers:
This type of fraud usually will include club membership or vacation offers in a lower price range. The offer sounds reasonable and is designed to appeal to anyone who is looking to get away at a low price.
High Pressure/Time Pressure Tactics:
These offers are usually very time sensitive and the scam operator needs your commitment immediately or the offer will no longer be available. They will simply brush aside any questions you may have, (using their skill with people), and give you every assurances you will have a wonderful trip.
Follow-up Material:
Some companies may even agree to send you confirmation of your deal. However, it usually bears little resemblance to the offer you accepted over the phone. The written materials often disclose additional terms, conditions and costs.
Oral Misrepresentations:
These travel deals may vary from scheme to scheme, but in general the deal they promise you could never be delivered anyway. But unfortunately, you will not know it until your money is gone and your travel plans are trashed.
How to Protect Yourself:
Travel scams can ruin a vacation, especially when they cost you money. To avoid any unpleasant surprises it will pay you to investigate a travel package before you spend your money. But it can be difficult to determine if the deal is legitimate. Consider this before you buy:
1. Always be wary of great deals and low prices. This may be a tip off it’s a scam.
2. Don’t be pressured into buying. This is another tip off; do not let them push you into buying.
3. Ask detailed questions, the more questions you ask the more you can determine if it is a scam.
If you decide to buy:
Find out the name of the provider - What is the name and phone number of the company that is getting your reservations and tickets. This is usually not the telemarketer.
Get all the information in writing before you agree to buy.
• Do not give your credit card number or other bank information over the phone unless you know the company.
• Do not send money by messenger or overnight mail, and remember if you pay by cash or check, rather than a credit card, you lose your right to dispute charges under the Fair Credit Billing Act.
• If you charge your trip by credit card, you may dispute the charges by writing to your credit card issuer at the address provided on your billing statements. Do this as soon as you receive your statement. Do not wait. You have up to 60 days after the bill’s statement date to dispute any and all charges. All scam artists know this. So, if you are told you cannot leave for at least 60 days, the deal is most likely a scam.
Lastly, if you are going to travel use a local travel agent, it is the safest way. These people are professionals and know where the deals are and can save you hundreds of dollars in travel costs. All travel agents are connected by computer, and they know all about vacation scams and they will avoid them. Most Travel Agents are always running vacation and travel specials and can take the hassle out of planning a vacation or trip. So use them, they will take the hassle out of planning a vacation.
If you become defrauded:
If you believe you have became a victim of a Travel Scam report it to your state Attorney General Office’s Consumer Protection Unit, and local Sheriff office or Police Department.
Remember the best time to learn your lesson about personal security, self defense, and preparedness is before something happens.
