Life's not always a beach when it comes to getting scammed. Get advice from the experts.
Though updated statistics are not yet available, state attorneys general are reporting that complaints about travel scams are up. I spoke with Marc Silver, who reported a piece on travel scams in the April issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine.
How do you tell the difference between a scam and a legitimate travel offer?
If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Whenever there's a 60-day time lag between the receipt of your credit card number and the date of the "free" trip, be wary--you may not be able to contest the charge on your credit card if things don't work out. Also, any legitimate company won't tell you that "if you don't sign up right now, you are out of luck."
Then there are the "giveaways" that ask for a $100 down payment for taxes and fees. It may seem like a small price to pay for what's billed as a three-day, two-night cruise or vacation. But what you may find is that a lot more money will change hands. Mike Weingard of the World Travel Agency in Houston has seen cases where people do send in the $100, and then are told that to get the dates they want or the level of service they want, they'll have to send in another check, and another. And of course there's no guarantee you'll ever get the free vacation. But you aren't likely to get back those so-called deposits.
Though updated statistics are not yet available, state attorneys general are reporting that complaints about travel scams are up. I spoke with Marc Silver, who reported a piece on travel scams in the April issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine.
How do you tell the difference between a scam and a legitimate travel offer?
If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Whenever there's a 60-day time lag between the receipt of your credit card number and the date of the "free" trip, be wary--you may not be able to contest the charge on your credit card if things don't work out. Also, any legitimate company won't tell you that "if you don't sign up right now, you are out of luck."
Then there are the "giveaways" that ask for a $100 down payment for taxes and fees. It may seem like a small price to pay for what's billed as a three-day, two-night cruise or vacation. But what you may find is that a lot more money will change hands. Mike Weingard of the World Travel Agency in Houston has seen cases where people do send in the $100, and then are told that to get the dates they want or the level of service they want, they'll have to send in another check, and another. And of course there's no guarantee you'll ever get the free vacation. But you aren't likely to get back those so-called deposits.
Have you ever been scammed yourself?
Last fall, I got a letter promising me two free airline tickets if I came to a seminar on a special travel club. With the current economic woes, I figured, hey, it's worth giving up an evening for two tickets. Here's what I got: A high-octane lecture on a club that has great hotel rates and cruise rates--if you pay several thousand dollars to join. I passed. And the two free tickets had so many strings attached you'd have to be the most flexible flyer on earth to take advantage.
Are there other kinds of deals to be wary of?
There's the old "become a travel agent and score great deals" pitch. Guess what--you probably won't! Freebies and amazing deals for travel agents are pretty scarce these days. Meanwhile, you typically have to pay around $500 to get the promised credentials and then a monthly fee as well.
The Better Business Bureau told me about another kind of come-on. At a meeting for a travel club, prospective customers are told they can sign up and have 30 days to change their mind. Then when they're walking out the door the salesman says, "Do you like Red Lobster?" And most people will go, "Of course." So the salesman tells them he has a $100 gift card he'll sell them for, say, $20. And here's what the salesman doesn't tell them. If you accept that card, you are participating in the services of the travel club and you are giving up your right to cancel your membership in the next 30 days.
Also, when you call an 800 number for a free offer, you may be told, "There are only two places left--you have to act now." Don't believe it!
Is it legitimate if I see brand names like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, American Airlines, etc.?
Sadly, no. Watchdog agencies report that a lot of scammers stick legit brand names on their mailings. They may even have a replica of a boarding pass. But there may well be no connection at all with the actual airline or cruise line. A spokeswoman for Southwest Airlines says the airline does indeed donate some tickets to good causes for raffles and such, but adds, "We have had situations where people were promised tickets on Southwest - but it wasn't really on Southwest."
So are all free deals scams?
If an offer comes from a reputable travel vendor--Expedia, Travelocity, American Express, and so on - it is most likely the real deal. But read the fine print, because the "deal" could still be misleading.
If you do get scammed, what do you do?
The Better Business Bureau is your best friend. If you send a letter of complaint to the company--get their headquarter's address and president's name if you can--and then copy it to the nearest BBB, you may get a faster and more satisfying response.
Any other tips?
Don't sign on the dotted line unless you are sure you want to join. I mean, some of these travel clubs may indeed be on the level. The seminar I attended did promise very good rates. The big question: Are they available when you want them? There's really no way to check--odds are you aren't going to get impartial references.
Photo: Jeannette Kimmel
Last fall, I got a letter promising me two free airline tickets if I came to a seminar on a special travel club. With the current economic woes, I figured, hey, it's worth giving up an evening for two tickets. Here's what I got: A high-octane lecture on a club that has great hotel rates and cruise rates--if you pay several thousand dollars to join. I passed. And the two free tickets had so many strings attached you'd have to be the most flexible flyer on earth to take advantage.
Are there other kinds of deals to be wary of?
There's the old "become a travel agent and score great deals" pitch. Guess what--you probably won't! Freebies and amazing deals for travel agents are pretty scarce these days. Meanwhile, you typically have to pay around $500 to get the promised credentials and then a monthly fee as well.
The Better Business Bureau told me about another kind of come-on. At a meeting for a travel club, prospective customers are told they can sign up and have 30 days to change their mind. Then when they're walking out the door the salesman says, "Do you like Red Lobster?" And most people will go, "Of course." So the salesman tells them he has a $100 gift card he'll sell them for, say, $20. And here's what the salesman doesn't tell them. If you accept that card, you are participating in the services of the travel club and you are giving up your right to cancel your membership in the next 30 days.
Also, when you call an 800 number for a free offer, you may be told, "There are only two places left--you have to act now." Don't believe it!
Is it legitimate if I see brand names like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, American Airlines, etc.?
Sadly, no. Watchdog agencies report that a lot of scammers stick legit brand names on their mailings. They may even have a replica of a boarding pass. But there may well be no connection at all with the actual airline or cruise line. A spokeswoman for Southwest Airlines says the airline does indeed donate some tickets to good causes for raffles and such, but adds, "We have had situations where people were promised tickets on Southwest - but it wasn't really on Southwest."
So are all free deals scams?
If an offer comes from a reputable travel vendor--Expedia, Travelocity, American Express, and so on - it is most likely the real deal. But read the fine print, because the "deal" could still be misleading.
If you do get scammed, what do you do?
The Better Business Bureau is your best friend. If you send a letter of complaint to the company--get their headquarter's address and president's name if you can--and then copy it to the nearest BBB, you may get a faster and more satisfying response.
Any other tips?
Don't sign on the dotted line unless you are sure you want to join. I mean, some of these travel clubs may indeed be on the level. The seminar I attended did promise very good rates. The big question: Are they available when you want them? There's really no way to check--odds are you aren't going to get impartial references.
Photo: Jeannette Kimmel
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Some great tips. Thanks Norrie!
I like the BBB, but people should always lookout by themself, never trust things!