BBB Warns of Deceptive Travel-Related Promotions

Better Business Bureaus across the United States and Canada are warning consumers about an increase in deceptive travel-related offers.

Consumers are contacting the BBB to inquire about travel companies that promise "too-good-to-be-true" travel deals. These offers arrive unexpectedly in consumers' mailboxes, or over the telephone, office fax machine or Internet.

Typically, the consumer is told that they have won a "free" trip and must call a number to claim their prize. Or they receive a fax at their place of business promoting an unbelievable vacation deal that looks as if it came through inter-office channels. Others were contacted by someone offering a travel club membership, allegedly worth thousand of dollars.

According to BBB experiences, some bogus promoters have been known to take consumers' money, without providing the travel or trip that was promised. Other promoters advertise rock-bottom prices, but hide certain fees until the deal is sealed. Some promise luxurious accommodations and services, but deliver far less. Still others don't reveal that the deal includes an obligation to sit through a timeshare pitch at the destination. Finally, some promoters guarantee consumers that they can get a full refund if they decide to cancel the trip, but fail to make good on their promise.

"This is the time of year when consumers are planning their spring break and summer vacations. We urge travel planners to verify the reliability of the business that is offering the travel services or accommodations, and obtain in writing all travel package details before you pay any fee, no matter how small," said Bill Moak, President of the Better Business Bureau of Mississippi.

Consumers are encouraged to obtain the names, addresses and telephone numbers for the lodgings, airlines and cruise ships advertised in a vacation promotion.

"Armed with that information, you can check with the BBB or a recognized travel organization to find out whether the business has been the subject of customer complaints. BBBs offer reports on travel-related businesses in both the U.S. and Canada," said Moak.

Fraudulent travel deals can be hard to distinguish from legitimate ones. Their intent is to lure people into buying vacations that they otherwise would not consider.

The BBB recommends that consumers get the details of the promotion in writing, including the refund and cancellation policy, before they send a check or provide credit card number information. If asked to provide a credit card or bank account number for verification or identification, the BBB says to reconsider. This information can be used to make fraudulent charges or debits to the consumer's accounts.

If you are tempted to respond to online travel solicitations, the BBB recommends that you not judge the agency solely by the appearance of its Web site. Online travel scams are increasing in part because it is easy to disguise your identity in cyberspace.

"Don't assume that everyone who contacts you online is who they say they are," said Moak.