Travel Tips:

Avoiding Travel Scams

If you have been offered a great bargain on a cruise or resort vacation, but you cannot seem to get all the details unless you pay the company first, you may be dealing with a travel scam.

PAY NOW, TRAVEL LATER ... MAYBE

Typically, scam operators won't give you full and complete information in writing until after you've given them a credit card number, certified check or money order. Once you do get further information, there will be restrictions and conditions which may make it more expensive, or even impossible, to take your trip.

While getting a refund is sometimes possible, it's better to avoid paying anything in the first place. While there is the remote chance that you might miss a legitimate deal, chances are you will save yourself time and money in the long run.

To help avoid being a victim of a travel scam, the American Society of Travel Agents provides the following suggestions when evaluating travel offers:

• Be extremely skeptical about postcard and phone solicitations which say you've been selected to receive a fabulous vacation;
• Never give out your credit card number unless you initiate the transaction and you are confident about the company with which you are doing business;
• You should receive complete details in writing about any trip prior to payment. These details should include the total price, cancellation and change penalties, if any; and specific information about all components of the package;
• If you insist on calling a 900 number in response to a travel solicitation, understand the charges and know the risks;
• Walk away from high pressure sales presentations which don't allow you time to evaluate the offer, or which require that you disclose your income;
• Be suspicious of companies which require that you wait at least 60 days to take your trip.

If you think you've been scammed, contact your local Better Business Bureau, your local or state Consumer Affairs Office, state attorney general's office, or e-mail ASTA's Consumer Affairs Department at consumeraffairs@astahq.com for information and assistance.

AGENT CREDENTIALS FROM 'CARD MILLS'

Beware of offers from companies that sell questionable travel agent credentials. Consumers may be led to believe that such cards allow them to travel at free or reduced rates.

Organizations making these offers are known throughout the travel industry as "card mills" because they routinely offer credentials by the thousands in the form of an identification card that is sold for a significant fee. In turn, these cards would presumably be accepted by every segment of the travel industry. Many suppliers of travel, however, do not accept them.

If you come across an offer to purchase a card that supposedly allows you to receive travel agent benefits or discounts, e-mail ASTA's Consumer Affairs Department at consumeraffairs@astahq.com.