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Department logo Senior Safety: Vacation Scams
Vacation scams start with a letter or phone call telling you that you've won a vacation. These announcements often are merely lures to entice you to sign up for a trip riddled with hidden costs. Usually, you will find that such costs as airfare, departure taxes and fees are not covered by your "prize."

Scam travel agents use several techniques that should alert you to their motives. Beware of:

  • High-pressure sales tactics, often accompanied by delays in travel. High-pressure tactics are always a tip-off of a scoundrel at work, and the delay in travel time may be an attempt by the company to stall in case it has to close on short notice;

  • A requirement to call a 900-number for information. You will be charged for the call, whether you buy the tour package or not;

  • Sales representatives who will not give you the name of the cruise line, hotel or airline or are hesitant about giving the name and address of their company;

  • Price add-ons. Charges for additional services or administrative costs, or the requirement to join a travel club to qualify for the special rate are all tip-offs of a scam; and

  • Inquiries about your income. If the seller asks about your income, you should suspect that the trip may actually be part of a pitch to sell time-share condominiums.

To avoid vacation scams, deal with a trusted local travel agent or directly with the cruise line or airline. By shopping around, you can probably get a better deal than the "special" offer, and you can be sure it's legitimate.

 

If you choose to take advantage of a special offer, do not pay for the package until you receive complete details about it in writing. Details should include port fees, airline taxes and other details related to the trip.

 

If you feel comfortable with the company, pay for the trip with a credit card. The major credit card companies may process a chargeback for up to 90 days after your departure date, rather than 90 days after the charge is made. Do not, however, give your credit card number to a stranger on the phone unless you initiated the call or are dealing with a familiar business.

 

Once your trip is arranged, get the specifics of the reservations and confirm them yourself. Also get written details about the seller's refund and cancellation policies..