The best way to avoid scams is to be INFORMED! As always, if it’s too good to be true……….well, you know. In the day and age of Internet, scams are all too easy! Know what to look for and what to avoid.
Here are some common travel scams to be wary of:
Fraudulent Timeshares – You receive an extensive package in the mail, or a detailed email of a great deal on an awesome Timeshare for sell, you pay a deposit only to later find out that the Timeshare doesn’t exist, the company is out of business and you are out your deposit.
Airfare Scams – You are promised largely discounted airfares, you purchase the airfare, you are told your credit card declined, so you need to wire the money. You wire the money and never see your tickets or money again.
Vacation Rental Scams – You have to love Craigslist for this one! You search online for a rental for your next vacation or family get together, you find an awesome deal at a desirable location. You call the “renter” who requests a wire transfer of a deposit for the rental. You show up to your rental only to find that it doesn’t exist. Scammers often lift pictures of rentals from other websites or real estate sites. Once you wire money…it’s gone…just don’t do it.
Free Vacation Scams – This boils down to, either you have to pay a “processing fee” to get your non-existent Free Vacation or you get roped into high pressure Timeshare Sales.
Of course, there are so many more scams out there…these are just a few.
Things to remember:
*Always pay by CREDIT CARD….never use wire transfers or bank to bank transfers.
*Be wary of classified ads for rentals, though many of them are legit, we even have some listed, just keep in mind that if their prices are way lower than competition and they want you to pay by wire or bank to bank transfer………..be wary.
*Ask tons of questions and do the research!
*The Better Business Bureau is always a good place to search for info on companies.
*Need I say it again? If it’s too good to be true…..
Take care! Stay informed!