Beware of Travel Scams, #1

In my last report, I talked about reading the fine print on specials, especially those sent out by airlines. Today, though, I want to talk about travel scams. These scams are not specials, they are designed to rip you off unsuspectingly.

Telemarketing has been the traditional way deceptive travel packages were peddled to unsuspecting individuals. But now, fraudulent companies are using the internet to market their packages. These scams include consumers buying travel packages that don't exist or packages that have been entirely misrepresented.

Here are nine tips to spot the scam and to avoid being entrapped:

1. Beware of spams (junk email) or web sites that advertise cheap travelling packages. Such advertising is to get your attention and to encourage you to contact the travelling agency who will then try to get you to accept their deceptive offers.

2. Don't be fooled by any flashing website offering such travelling packages. Great looking websites can be established quickly and cheaply. As quickly as they can be setup such websites can also disappear.

3. Never send money upfront for any package until you see the written offers and contracts. Before committing to any offer make sure you are aware of all the terms and don't be afraid to ask questions if you have any doubts.

4. If any term which is being represented is not in the contract or offer, then ensure it is included in writing. If you see any offer stated at the website, print out the page and the date of your printout.

5. Never be pressured into agreeing to any offer until you fully understand the offer, you have inserted all the terms in the offer and you are satisfied with what you are getting.

6. Be leery of any offer that promises cheap rates during a peak season. Prices will differ depending on the time of year.

7. Hidden charges that are contained in the fine print can ruin any discount that you thought you were getting. The packages may fail to cover taxes, transportation from and to the hotel, or meals.

8. When do you have to take the trip? Is there is a time limit before which you must travel to get the discount. Many travel packages require you to travel during restricted times or stay in hotels or other accommodations that are substandard and of questionable quality. Some companies reserve the right to change or substitute accommodations without notice to the consumer.

9. Shop around for a better deal. Call the more reputable travel agencies which can give you an inexpensive package without worrying about any possible problems.

A good booklet to read is Telemarketing Travel Fraud, a free publication of the Federal Trade Commission. Call 202-326-2222 for a copy, or write to: Federal Trade Commission, Public Reference Branch, Room 130, Sixth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington DC 20580.

David Tinney, an expert in the travel industry, is the owner of Adventure Travel Service and author of the best selling e-guide, Why Not Fly Free?

Here's what you'll learn... Strategy creates free travel Fly anywhere in the world, just pay the taxes Learn to be a savvy passenger Find out secrets from a travel agent Click to learn more.