Beware of Travel Scams, #2

Not long ago, I read a report that quoted the Federal Trade Commission's claim that travel scams cost consumers 12 Billion dollars annually. How can you keep from getting caught in the scammer's snare?

Recently, a jewelry store chain ran a promotion offering a free trip to London or Hawaii with a purchase of $500 worth of fine jewelry. But, after reading the fine print it was evident the free vacation was not exactly free. What was the catch? Besides the initial cost of the jewelry, participants were required to pay for accommodations in an exclusive luxury hotel, which cost over $350 per night, with a seven night minimum...$2450.00 is hardly free in anybody's book!

Travel scams generally fall into three basic categories. The first type offers something for free, as long as you agree to purchase something else and abide by certain rules. Similar to the jewelry store offer above, the price of an item, the accommodations in this case, are inflated to cover the true cost of what is supposed to be free.

Since we all have a different definition of a bargain, this arrangement could be considered a borderline scam. If you intended to buy the jewelry regardless and were accustomed to spending more than $350 a night on hotel rooms, it might have been a deal.

In the second variety, the promoter gives you the free or low-cost trip but, puts the pressure on once you've arrived at the destination. Sure, your hotel room is absolutely free, but it's roach-infested, has soiled sheets and broken door locks. There isn't a restaurant for miles and to top it off, the neighborhood is obviously unsafe. By the time the truth dawns, you're already at the destination, exhausted and carrying a wallet full of travelers checks.

The promoter then pressures you into the offer of a room upgrade at a ridiculous price. You just got scammed!

In the third variety, you're told you have been selected to receive a super travel bargain, but you must first respond immediately either by giving your credit card number over the phone or by sending a charge authorization.

After you comply, you're asked to select the dates you wish to travel. A week or two passes and you're notified the dates selected didn't work out. You submit more available dates as they string you along. The stalling continues with various excuses about the arrangements until one day the promoter's phone number is disconnected. Or, you may never settle on dates and the deal expires. You then find getting a refund is next to impossible or more trouble than it's worth.

Scammers are continually refining their scams. Variations include disguising the operation as a charity, such as an organization fighting child abuse or sponsoring an anti-drug campaign.

In order to avoid being scammed, you must investigate the claims of the bargain. Final point to remember, travel scammers are aggressive, be on the alert when you receive offers in the mail or by telephone. Your local travel agency around the corner isn't going to be agressively promoting a travel scam.

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.