Know the Ropes so a Con Artist Doesn't Steal Your Cash and Wreck Your Spring Break Vacation Nancy Dunham - Money Talks News
go to original March 14, 2017

What better way to celebrate the end of the long winter than to jet or drive off for spring break?

Unfortunately, the growing volume of spring break travel has sparked a growing number of travel scams. The American Hotel & Lodging Association reported in 2016 that scams affect about 15 million bookings each year — at a cost of about $1.3 billion to unsuspecting American travelers. Just as spring break is high season for travel, it is high season for scams.

So as you plan for your spring break, consider three of the most notorious travel scams and how to avoid them:

Scam No. 1: Renting a property that isn’t available

Some scammers advertise and collect rent on desirable properties that they don’t own. Vacationers arrive at the locale only to be told the property was never available. NBC News reported on a would-be Florida vacationer who wired $1,500 for what she thought was a beachfront property. When the Michigan woman and her family arrived, they found there were no accommodations available. The property manager had turned away five other groups of vacationers, all of whom had fallen for the same scam.

Solution: Authorities and travel experts recommend that you never rely solely on the contracting party for information. Google the property’s address, contact the property independently of the agent with whom you speak and pay with a credit card.

Scam No. 2: Cruise liquidation sales

Ever see flyers for cruise liquidation sales? Chances are good that any such unsolicited flyers are hoaxes, according to Ed Johnson, of the mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Better Business Bureau, speaking to WJLA-TV. He made the statement after reviewing the “spring liquidation sale” flyer that prompted a D.C.-area woman to book a trip for her family of five. Although the woman thought she was booking an eight-day Caribbean cruise for $750, she ended up paying about $1,200. What she bought was actually membership in a “vacation club.” When the woman attempted to cancel her membership and get answers, the representative hung up on her.

Solution: Research any cruise company before you sign a contract or send money. You can start by checking the Better Business Bureau database for information and ratings. Also, carefully read any information you are given. In the case described above, the woman had missed information on the paperwork she was given that said the company “is a vacation consulting company and is not the fulfiller of these vacation packages.” And, of course, don’t pay for anything until you have a contract from the company. Review all terms and conditions, taxes and fees, and cancellation policies, recommended the BBB. In addition, confirm all reservations, total cost, flights, hotel reservations, cancellation policies and restrictions.

Scam No. 3: People charging border-crossing fees

A third common scam is one that affects international travelers, especially visitors to South and Central America, according to HiYa, an online consumer research community. Scam artists target travelers when they cross land borders — demanding a tax or fee for a purchase a special visa.

Solution: Research the border requirements before you travel. Go to the official government site of the country to which you’ll travel. You can also check travel sites such as Along Dusty Roads, which frequently updates the fees for border crossings.

Read the rest at Money Talks News

Related: Check Out the 10 Best Spring Break Destinations in Mexico (Coastal Living)

Photo: Elnur/Shutterstock.com

We invite you to add your charity or supporting organizations' news stories and coming events to PVAngels so we can share them with the world. Do it now!