How to Protect Against Vacation Fraud

Imagine your dream vacation. The excitement has been building for weeks and now it is time to enjoy your vacation. You were so amazed that you were able to get such a sweet vacation package. Airfare, accommodations at a gorgeous hotel, plus a week full of great activities for such an awesome price was more than you could refuse. Each year, many people are victims of vacation fraud. The Federal Trade Commission states that vacation fraud ranks close to the top of complaints they receive. Here are some tactics sales people use when trying to fraud you of your dream vacation with steps you can take to protect yourself from vacation fraud.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Beware of Their Tactics

1. Avoid high-pressure sales tactics. This is very common. You have to tell them no, then hang up or walk away.
2. Use common sense when a company promises great vacations at a great price. If a company promises you a great trip at a very unusually low price or even free of charge, it should be obvious there is a hidden catch.
3. Avoid any offer that requires overnighting a payment. Any company that wants you to overnight the payment should be avoided. Legitimate companies will work with you and not rush you on the payment.
4. Watch out for companies requiring your credit card number for identification or verification. There again, no legitimate company will need this unless they are billing your credit card.

Fight Back

5. Verify the company to make sure you are dealing with a reputable company that has been in business for a while.
6. Contact your State Attorney General's Office, consumer protection agency or the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the company.
7. Put all agreements in writing, including a copy of the cancellation and refund policies.
8. Get the names and contact information for all hotels in the package. Then verify your reservations before you buy the package.
9. Use your credit card to buy the package. It may be possible to dispute the charges with your credit card company if you do not get what you paid for.
10. Verify any charter flights that may be included in your package. Charter flights cannot be legally sold until the U.S. Department of Transportation has approved the flight.
11. Read the fine print. Many will include phrases like "You have been selected to win" or "The special discounts often do not apply during holidays or peak seasons."

Tips & Warnings

• Just because a company does not have any complaints filed against it does not mean it is a good company. Many fraudulent companies change names on a regular basis.
• Think twice before you give the company your credit card number until you know it is legitimate. They do not need it for verification--that is a good sign you are being scammed.