provided by: Gatehouse News Service
Vacation scams cost consumers more than $10 billion every year.
Out of the 3,900 industries the Better Business Bureau monitors, the travel industry consistently ranks in the top 25 for number of complaints.
The bureau is advising consumers on how to spot and avoid the threat of vacation and travel-related fraud.
“The BBB system continues to see vacation and travel-related fraud cases in every one of our 128 BBBs across the United States and Canada,” said Joy Bender, vice president of operations for the Canton Better Business Bureau.
“Before booking travel plans, consumers need to do their research and check with the BBB for trustworthy advice on dependable businesses to keep from getting burned.”
The problems don’t come from hometown, established travel agents. Unscrupulous marketers make their pitch via unsolicited telephone calls, e-mails and direct mailings, and some also use Internet pop-up advertisements.
Bait-and-switch tactics account for many of the complaints, where promotions advertise rock-bottom prices, but hide fees until contracts are signed or initial payments are made. Some firms promise luxurious accommodations and services but deliver far less.
Some offers don’t reveal that deals include hidden restrictions such as blackout dates at resorts and fees on certain travel dates, or a requirement to sit through a time-share pitch at the destination. Some pitches go so far as saying consumers have won a “free” trip and must call a number to claim prizes, while others will offer “free” travel club memberships, allegedly worth thousand of dollars but ultimately worth nothing.
“The BBB evaluates businesses using our time-tested set of standards,” Bender said. “There are many reputable travel agents, bureaus and clubs to choose from, and we want consumers to know they can start their search for these reliable companies with the BBB.”
PROTECT YOURSELF
- Gather information. Don’t be fooled by professional-looking Web sites or e-mails. Few legitimate businesses can afford to give away products and services of real value or substantially undercut other companies’ prices.
- Ask detailed questions and get it in writing. Get names of airlines, hotels, car rental companies and travel providers. Consider contacting these businesses directly to verify arrangements. Always ask for confirmation of your travel arrangements in writing and ensure you receive copies of cancellation and refund policies.
- Pay with a credit card and avoid deals that require you to book 60 days in advance. Credit card companies may allow consumers to dispute a charge within 60 days of purchase. Representatives from eBay also caution consumers against paying with personal checks and strongly recommend paying with a method such as PayPal that has built-in protection measures.
- Contact the Better Business Bureau if you are a victim of fraud. The bureau helps consumers and businesses through complaint and dispute resolution services.
Canton (Ohio) Repository