Vacation Scams
Vacation scams involve attempts to defraud consumers via email or telephone contact. The scam announces that you've just won a cruise or vacation and you'll have a limited to time to claim your prize. In order to reserve your spot in the airplane, ship, or hotel, you'll have to pay a fee, preferably by providing your credit card data. Upon providing this information, the consumer learns that there is no vacation/trip/cruise and that her/his credit card has been charged nonetheless.
Book your trips/cruises/vacations through reputable travel agents or reputable travel websites.
Avoid Travel Scams:
Book your trips/cruises/vacations through reputable travel agents or reputable travel websites.
Avoid Travel Scams:
- Always decline giving personal and financial information over the phone and/or the internet to unknown parties
- Always book travel through reputable travel agents and travel web sites
- Always research the vendors/businesses which offer cruises/trips/travel accommodations before purchase
- Always take as much time as you need before deciding to purchase tickets/pay for travel accommodations
- Always carefully read and review the "fine print" of any contract/agreement for travel purchases
- Never succumb to pressure--legitimate businesses will not harass you to make a hasty decision/purchase
- Never hesitate to inform your bank/financial institution if you're worried you've been scammed
- Ask for written details/information about contest "winnings;" ensure your "prize" won't cost you money out of pocket
- If it sounds too good to be, it most certainly is!