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Avoid These 3 Travel Planning Scams...Beware!

 3 Common Travel Planning Scams...

We all want to get the most bang for our buck when planning our vacations, and we all want to find great deals while we’re traveling.

It’s wise to keep an eye out for potential savings or good deals on unique items when we’re exploring other states, cultures, and countries, right?

​The problem, of course, is that scammers know we’re looking...and they’re looking for us!

Here are 3 of the most common scams — and some easy tips to help you or someone you love avoid becoming the next victim!

​(check out our SAFE & CUSTOM planning process HERE)
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1.) IN THE MAIL:  You come home from running errands and grab the mail.

In the stack, you see a postcard or “official” looking envelope declaring that you’ve won a luxurious honeymoon to a fun and exotic location.

Why it’s a scam:
Often these scams use vague language by offering free airfare, but give no real, concrete information about the trip — and here’s the catch — or the many, many fees you will be required to pay that can often add up to thousands of dollars.

In addition, these “free trip” solicitations are often lead-ins to lengthy sales pushes of time-share investments.

How to avoid becoming a victim:
If something seems too good to be true, it likely is. Jennifer Karchmer, a staff writer for CNNMoney, says, “Before you pay for any travel package, get all the details in writing, including the total cost and refund policy.”

If a company isn’t willing to do this, head for the hills and don’t look back!

2.) ONLINE:  In this scenario, you receive an intriguing email that invites you to visit a website.
On the site page, you’ll be invited to fill out a form in order to be entered for a chance to win a honeymoon to a popular destination like Florida, the Caribbean, or Mexico.

Why it’s a scam: 
Magically, when you fill out the form, you will then receive an email congratulating you on being a winner — and prompting you to call an 800 number, at which point you will be asked to give your credit card number to “hold your spot” and claim your prize.
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You will likely never hear from this company again after that phone call.

How to avoid becoming a victim:
Never, never, never give your credit card information over the phone unless you know the company you are dealing with (like your bank, or a company that you make purchases from often and know their track record).

3.)  OVER THE PHONE:  Can I just tell you HOW many times a month I get these phone calls? CRAZY!

Your phone rings (usually during dinner) and you are enthusiastically informed that you’ve won a Caribbean honeymoon.
Like the promotional postcard or mailer, the language they use will be intriguing but extremely vague — words like luxury, exotic, five-star, once-in-a-lifetime — and the pressure will be strong to make a decision immediately.

Why it’s a scam:
Reputable travel agents do not need to use such heavy-handed tactics.
They will gladly outline any details you ask for — timing of the trip, allowances, total costs, restrictions, and refund policies.
They’ll take the time to walk you through everything.

They will not ask for payment info over the phone on a first call, if ever.

How to avoid becoming a victim:
Above all, listen to your gut. If something seems fishy, pay attention to that and confidently say, “No.”
My advice: Request that your phone number be added to their ‘do not call’ list and get off the phone as quickly as possible!
Stay safe when it comes to vacation planning - use an expert!
Your vacation should be a source of delight and excitement...

If you’re looking for the service, respect, and transparency you deserve for YOUR vacation planning, click the link to fill out our "Contact Us" questionnaire and we can chat about your trip for FREE!
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