Don’t Let Scammers Turn Your Vacation Into a “Summer Bummer”
CHICAGO, IL – School’s out, weather’s warm, it’s time for travel. Predictions are this summer will be a very busy one for vacationers; and equally busy for scammers. Millions of travelers will take to the road, air, and trains, but unfortunately it’s not just thrill-seeking travelers who look forward to this time of year. For scammers who make their money fleecing unsuspecting travelers the summer travel season can be like taking candy from a baby. The Better Business Bureau says booking your travel plans online is convenient but consumers need to take precautions to avoid having their travel plans ruined.
“According to The American Hotel & Lodging Association con artist take in $1.3 billion a year in online hotel scams. And the FTC reports they received 24,171 travel related complaints in 2015,” says Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. “It’s unfortunate but consumers, themselves, often make it easy for scammers, believing they can get something for nothing and fall for promises of great deals at bargain prices”.
- Start your research at http://ask.bbb.org/. Read complaints and reviews from previous customers.
- Buy directly from the airline, hotel, or cruise line, or use a local travel agency or well-known aggregator with a good BBB rating.
- Look for the seal to find BBB Accredited Businesses that are committed to trust.
- Be wary of claims of enormous savings, “best deal” guarantees, and any statement you cannot verify prior to making a purchase.
- When doing business with a travel agency for the first time, check to see if they are a member of a recognized association such as the American Society of Travel Agents in the United States or the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies in Canada.
- Double check all details such as travel dates, itineraries, destinations, and travelers’ information before confirming payment, as you may be charged for amendments.
- Pay by credit card so you have additional protections if there is a company error.
