Beware Of Travel Scams

By Author: Steve Robinson
Total Articles: 467
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While there are plenty of legitimate cheap travel deals out there that include cheap airplane ticket deals, discount hotel rooms and various cheap vacation packages, there are regrettably people posing as travel providers trying to take advantage of unsuspecting potential travelers.

The following are recommendations from Frommer’s Travel regarding common travel scams that you should avoid:
• If a travel offer sounds too good to be true, the odds are that you should steer clear. Avoid unbelievable unsolicited travel offers made by unfamiliar agents via email, bulk mail, or over the phone.

• Be suspicious of any travel company that will not accept credit cards. Scammers try to avoid accepting credit cards since credit card holders can usually get their money back via their credit card companies so long as they file a claim prior to 60 days after paying.

• Do not give out any credit card information to travel solicitors when they first call you. Check out (i.e. do a little research and request references) any companies offering incredible deals before sharing any personal financial information.

• Avoid ...
... doing business with travel companies who are looking for you to make an immediate decision and say such things as “this offer expires at midnight” or “this is the last time we will offer these prices this year.” Always allow yourself time to investigate an unfamiliar company and offer.

• Read all of the fine print before you agree to purchase any travel deal. If purchasing a travel package, find out if the package includes transportation, hotels and meals. Don’t “assume” that you are purchasing round trip airfare. Make certain that you know the total price, including all taxes, fees, and any other miscellaneous charges.

• Before agreeing to anything get a written quote about what is and is not included in the price. Request documentation of the company’s cancellation and refund policies.

• Do not fall for the scam offer of being made a travel agent (often quoted for a fee of around $495) so that you can access free or greatly reduced travel deals. Such promised discounts never materialize.

Remember the cheapest travel deals can most often be found by visiting major Internet travel sites, such as Cheapfares, Expedia, or Orbitz. Such websites not only typically offer great prices but also have a vast selection of travel products available for review.
www.cheapfares.com