Online Travel Scams

Companies which have traditionally used telemarketing to scam individuals to buy deceptive travel packages are now using the web to market their packages. These scams include consumers buying travel packages that don't exist or packages that have been entirely misrepresented. Here are some tips to spot the scam and to avoid being entrapped:

Beware of spams (junk email) or web sites that advertise cheap travel packages. Such advertising is meant to get your attention and to encourage you to contact the travel agency who will then try to get you to accept their deceptive offers. Instead get your travel deals from establied companies like EconomyTravel.

Don't be fooled by any flashing website offering such travel packages. Great looking websites can be established quickly and cheaply. As quickly as they can be setup such websites can also disappear.

Never send money upfront for any package until you see the written offers and contracts. Before committing to any offer make sure you are aware of all the terms and don't be afraid to ask questions if you have any doubts.

If any term which is being represented is not in the contract or offer, then ensure it is included in writing. If you see any offer stated at the website, print out the page and the date of your printout. Ensure however that all essential terms are included in your contract.

Be suspicious of offers that are too cheap to be true. Usually such offers are not true.

Never get pressured into agreeing to any offer until you fully understand the offer and are satisfied with what you are getting. Any good offer will not disappear but will still exist the next day after you have had a chance to think about it.

Be leery of any offer that promises cheap rates during a peak season. Prices will differ depending on the time of year.

Always remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.