| Do NOT be fooled by any of the vacation scams that | | | | prices, right? Not quite. These vacation discounts and |
| we have listed here. | | | | free stuff are a myth. Moreover, in order for you to |
| Vacation related fraud is a major concern. The | | | | sell a vacation package and be recognized by a travel |
| National Fraud Information Center has reported that | | | | supplier, you have to be affiliated with either a travel |
| there are so many consumer fraud scams out there | | | | agency or be registered as an independent distributor |
| that it is difficult to tell a legitimate deal from a fake. | | | | of vacation packages with the Airlines Reporting |
| Many of them seem "too good to be true." Sometimes | | | | Corporation or the Cruise Lines International |
| high pressure sales tactics are used. Other scams just | | | | Association. |
| take your money and run leaving you with nothing to | | | | 6. Misleading Prices Do not be fooled by the low prices. |
| show for it. | | | | They are only priced as such to get your foot in the |
| The following is a list of vacation related scams that | | | | door. The sad truth is that there are hidden extras and |
| we think you should be aware of. | | | | conditions that jack up that vacation bill. If a flight is a |
| | | | one-way flight, you may need to consider paying |
| 1. Discount Vacation Clubs If you paid any money to | | | | MORE for a round trip. It is easy to miss the fine |
| be a member of these clubs, it is probably a waste. | | | | details and get stuck with a bad deal. Be sure to read |
| What you get for your "membership" to these clubs is | | | | the fine print and know all the costs associated with |
| an opportunity to buy vacations at discount prices. | | | | your vacation before you make a purchase. |
| However, there are some problems with this scam: | | | | 7. Crooked Timeshare Vacation Scams You should |
| 2. - Are the travel packages really discounted? How | | | | never have to attend a timeshare presentation. If you |
| can you know? | | | | are interested in purchasing timeshare property, have |
| 3. - How do these packages measure up to other | | | | them send you some information in the mail so that |
| programs? You may be able to discover this on your | | | | you can scrutinize their offer in your own home. |
| own but the details of the travel package could make | | | | Timeshare salesmen are high pressure salesmen. |
| comparison shopping difficult. | | | | They do not want you to think it over and want you to |
| 4. - Membership fees can be outrageous. The amount | | | | make a decision to buy right away. You could be sold |
| you pay upfront is proportional to the degree to which | | | | on a dream vacation only to discover that you owe |
| you are getting scammed. You could mention that the | | | | them $40,000. Some consumers know the real price |
| money you spent is a waste if the vacation club | | | | they expect to pay but are told how simple it is to sell |
| packages are not even discounted. The truth of the | | | | their timeshare at a profit. Yeah, right! The salesman is |
| matter is that many of these vacation clubs earn their | | | | lying through his teeth. What he really wants is to |
| money both from the travel suppliers and | | | | make the sale. |
| memberships that you purchase. The ones you should | | | | 8. Out of Business Check with the Better Business |
| go for are the vacation clubs that service your social | | | | Bureau to lookup background information on the |
| needs and charge you only moderate prices that | | | | finances of a vacation package company. Some |
| cover no more than the club's expenses. | | | | cruise lines, tour guides, airlines, or travel agencies may |
| 5. Become a Travel Agent and Save Money Sounds | | | | have had financial difficulty and had to shut down their |
| like a great way to save money on vacations! Travel | | | | business leaving the customers without vacations for |
| agents can earn bonus points, discounts on car rentals, | | | | which they have paid their hard earned money. |
| and get some free stuff. Here is the problem. There | | | | There are lots of consumer fraud schemes out there. |
| are tons of companies out there selling you on a | | | | It is up to you, the consumer, to educate yourself to |
| vacation package if you view one of their | | | | recognize what is and is not legitimate. Hopefully our |
| advertisements. Once you have sent them a signup | | | | advice will help you minimize becoming a victim of the |
| fee, you will be sent paperwork that says you are an | | | | deceptive practices of many vacation package |
| official travel agent. Now you can travel at discount | | | | programs. |