How to Avoid Vacation Hoaxes
Busy people often want to squeeze some leisure time between their hectic schedules to relax and unwind. However, planning a trip is often a hard thing to do since they have lots of agendas on their calendar. Thus, they resort to middlemen like travel agents who offer planning services.
The problem is, this business has been one of the lairs of scammers who unkindly target vacationers who seem to be too busy to check the authenticity of the travel agency or too easy to lure with best trip deals. As a result, the busy couple's most anticipated summer vacation becomes an early summer nightmare.
Once you're hooked, their modus operandi is usually to ask for an advance payment, before they give out any substantial information about their so-called "reputable" company. Once you wire the amount they're asking, these fraudsters will ask more money for some make-believe restrictions and conditions which will eventually lead you to a more expensive trip.
It's impossible to get a refund from these types of illegal acts, so to prevent wasting your money and time in the long run, here are some helpful tips you can use to evaluate whether the offer is real or not.
Open your (critical) eye: It's better to be a skeptic than a victim. If someone calls claiming you won a holiday for a "contest" you don't recall joining, or you got selected for a vacation you never heard of, ask for more info before diving in. Having lots of doubts and questions saves you from a lot of tears and effort spent reclaiming your money later on.
Google is your friend: Beat the scammers at their own game. While most are branching out in cyberspace by sending emails and maintaining authentic-looking sites, remember that the Internet is a two-edged sword. Check forums and consumer websites, and you can also see the listing of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), to know if they are accredited.
Keep your identity private: Not until you have learned that the company is legal, do not give your private information to anyone. Remember that your identity, as well your credit card number should always not be given to any unprofessional or doubtful transactions.
Pay attention to every detail: Make sure that you have all the necessary details before you pay any amount to travel agencies. Double check every print provided and make sure that you do not miss any point. From schedule, penalties, to over-all charges, assure that you take note of them. Also, give yourself a minute or two to call the office where the reservations were made once you get the payment done to double check if your name is already listed down.
Beware of red flags: Scam artists are smooth by years of cunning and experience in the trade, so be sure to have a sharp eye to spot the seams. Sometimes they will even turn the tables around, to make it look like you're the one under scrutiny before you can avail of their "promo". They might ask for your annual gross or monthly salary. When these red flags pop up, its your signal to walk away. Why need such info unless they're collecting your taxes?
These are just five basic tips on how to outwit the street-smart talkers of travel scams. Remember that for you to enjoy the benefits of your hard-earned cash, you have to be smart and stay ahead of the game. Bon voyage!
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Frequently Asked Questions...
How come a telemarketer hung up on me?
its normal to have a customer hang up on a telemarketer but is there the other way around? A telemarketer called me one time and he wants to sell me some time share stuff. Not saying the company cus i dont want to get sued. He asked me if I want a great deal on a vacation for two to Hawaii. I knew he was tryin to tell me some timeshare so I said " Dude I was thinking about hawaii because dude check this out, my friend is the manager of a hotel in Honalulu and he can hook you up with a great deal too man!" Then the telemarketer was confused. SO i said " check this out, i can set this up for you. three nights for 140- bucks plus all the amenidities!" then the telemarketor was like "uhh I dont know if i should..." but i cut him off and i say "Trust me, he's my best friend and I can hook you and your wife with 50 bucks for round trip airfare nothin can beat this deal!." Suddenly he hung up on me. Ever happen to you?
Answer:
That is quite funny! We have never heard of that but turning it around on the telemarketer is priceless. Here you will find an absolutely hilarious prank that was done on a telemarketer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un_PjRXV5l8
Enjoy!
