It's common, especially during high travel seasons, to receive
mailings or telemarketing solicitations promising free vacations or incredible savings.
While some offers may prove legitimate,
many are lined with hidden charges or fees. It is important to research any offer that sounds to good
to be true:
Read the fine print.
Check references and affiliated companies.
Don't give credit card information to any company you do not know or trust.
Don't send money by overnight mail.
Get all information in writing before you buy.
While these simple tactics will help prevent most fraud, they are not a
guarantee. For more information, explore the following sites:
The Federal Trade Commission
The FTC offers a set of recommendations for dealing with telemarketing
travel fraud. The site includes numbers to call if you suspect you have been
swindled.
The Better Business Bureau
Travel fraud tips from the BBB. Among the advice: deal with members of
a professional organization like the American Society of Travel Agents or
the National Tour Association.
American Society of Travel Agents
Use this site as a
cross reference for sketchy travel offers. Search for members in your area
by zip code and check out the Travel Information and Resources page
for lots of tips.