Florida Consumer E-Newsletter |
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A Message From the Commissioner...
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Dear Friends: Travel scams are nothing new. Scammers are finding increasingly devious ways to defraud unsuspecting consumers as thousands of people are still taken in by them every year. Fraudulent sellers of travel promote their travel deals through regular mail, telephone, unsolicited faxes or emails. They capture your attention by offering trips at all-time low prices or making you a member of an exclusive club that receives large vacation discounts. |
The information provided below will aide you in detecting fraudulent travel opportunities. The most important thing is to be aware. Consumer education is the best protection against fraud and deceptive trade practices. Remember, we're here for you. Our Consumer Hotline: calling within Florida 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352), outside of Florida 850-488-2221, ¡Español! 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832), will answer any questions you may have about purchasing travel in the State of Florida. |
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Companies lure countless people with promises of a free trip to Las Vegas, Orlando or some other destination. When the consumer responds, they’re talked into joining a travel club, costing anywhere between $1,000 and $6,500. These so called clubs promise cut rates on personal travel and commissions when you get others to join.
Some travel clubs, for example, entice you to buy a lifetime membership that usually costs thousands of dollars. The club promises steep discounts on airfare, hotels and other amenities—even though you're likely to find the same or better deals on your own.
If you do join a travel club run by a con man, here's what you can expect. You will receive a travel packet describing your potential vacation and any discounts that you would receive. But there will be many restrictions on when you can take your trip. You may also be required to pay an additional handling charge of up to $100 to book your reservation. The travel dates you prefer will likely be unavailable. If you complain, you may be offered an upgraded plan for still another additional fee. If you do actually participate in their vacation “specials,” you will most likely be booked into substandard accommodations.
Travel clubs have no control over discounts. Only suppliers of travel — cruise lines, hotel companies, car rental companies or airlines — can decide to extend professional courtesies, and to whom. You’ll probably get a better deal contacting the providing companies yourself or doing online research for the best deal.
Bogus travel promoters often use vague language to describe their services and products. If the promotion refers to “major hotels,” “major airlines” or other services, ask for the actual names of these service providers and contact them to verify the travel arrangements and associated costs. Don’t use the number provided by the trip promoter. If the provider is not familiar with the company offering the trip, end your negotiations there. No matter how pleasant the person is on the phone, remember that no legitimate travel company will ask you to disclose personal data or require you to pay before receiving information.
Travel, especially for people on vacation, should be fun. Most sellers of travel are legitimate, however as with any industry, there are a few unscrupulous people trying to part you with your money. The best protection against fraud is to do some homework before investing your money or signing a contract. Make sure who you’re dealing with is reputable and will provide you with the services you desire. Asking friends, co-workers, relatives and associates for references is a great start in selecting a travel provider.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is responsible for protecting consumers from unethical sellers of travel. This is done by requiring all non-exempt sellers of travel to register each year and include their registration number in all advertisements and contracts. Some are also required to provide financial security for consumers through a bond, letter of credit or certificate of deposit, and to adhere to mandatory record-keeping procedures.
Before contracting with any travel business, consumers should call the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352), or 850-488-2221 to check if the travel business is registered with the Department and if any complaints have been filed against them.
Additional Resources
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Travel Investment, Protect Your
Vacations and traveling are usually fun times for everyone. Unfortunately, there are crooked sellers of travel out there, waiting to get their hands on your money. Before you book your next trip to paradise, review this brochure to make sure you get what you pay for. (¡Español!)
April 2005 Florida Consumer E-Newsletter
Travel, especially for people on vacation, should be fun. Unfortunately, there are some in the travel business who are more concerned with separating travelers from their money than in getting them to their destinations. You can reduce your chances of falling victim to unscrupulous sellers of travel by exercising discretion and common sense. Learn more...
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