Media Contact
Felicia Overton, Director of Marketing & Community Relations
Office: 602-212-2237,
foverton@arizonabbb.org
June Consumer Tip Article
With the official start of the summer season, the Better Business
Bureau of Central/Northern Arizona (BBB) is advising consumers on how
to spot and avoid the threat of vacation and travel-related fraud. Out
of the 3900 industries the BBB system monitors, the travel industry
consistently ranks in the top 25 for number of complaints.
“The BBB system continues to see vacation and travel-related fraud
cases in every one of our 128 BBBs across the United States and
Canada,” said BBB President/CEO Matthew Fehling. “Before booking
travel plans, consumers need to do their research and check with the
BBB for trustworthy advice on dependable businesses to keep from
getting burned this summer.”
Signs of a Scam
Unscrupulous marketers make their pitch via unsolicited telephone
calls, e-mails and direct mailings, and some also use Internet pop-up
advertisements.
Bait-and-switch tactics account for many of the travel-related
complaints filed with the BBB. Promotions advertise rock-bottom
prices, but hide fees until contracts are signed or initial payments
are made. Some firms promise luxurious accommodations and services,
but deliver far less.
Still others don't reveal that deals include hidden restrictions
such as blackout dates at resorts and fees on certain travel dates, or
a requirement to sit through a timeshare pitch at the destination.
Some pitches go so far as saying consumers have won a “free” trip and
must call a number to claim prizes, while others will offer “free”
travel club memberships, allegedly worth thousand of dollars, but
ultimately worth nothing.
“The BBB evaluates businesses using
our time-tested set of standards,” said Fehling. “There are many
reputable travel agents, bureaus and clubs to choose from, and we want
consumers to know they can start their search for these reliable
companies with the BBB.”
Protect Yourself
• Gather Information. Don’t be fooled by professional looking web
sites or e-mails. Few legitimate businesses can afford to give away
products and services of real value or substantially undercut other
companies’ prices. Visit the BBB online at www.arizonabbb.org, or call 602-264-1721 or 928-772-3410 for a free reliability report on the travel company making the offer.
• Ask detailed questions and get it in writing. Get names of
airlines, hotels, car rental companies and travel providers. Consider
contacting these businesses directly to verify arrangements. Always
ask for confirmation of your travel arrangements in writing and ensure
you receive copies of cancellation and refund policies.
• Pay with a credit card and avoid deals that require you to book 60
days in advance. Credit card companies may allow consumers to dispute a
charge within 60 days of purchase. Representatives from eBay also
caution consumers against paying with personal checks and strongly
recommend paying with a method such as PayPal that has built-in
protection measures.
• Contact the BBB if you are a victim of fraud. The BBB helps
consumers and businesses through complaint and dispute resolution
services. Victims of travel-related scams can visit www.arizonabbb.org
or call the BBB to file a complaint. Ultimately, consumer complaints
expose bad businesses and help other consumers avoid becoming victims
of vacation and travel-related fraud.