The members of the American Society of Travel Agents are concerned that consumers may be losing millions of dollars to phony travel companies which offer, but fail to deliver, promised fabulous vacations at low prices. We’d rather have you spend your hard earned money on a vacation that you will actually take and enjoy, rather than throwing it away.
If you’ve been offered a great bargain on a cruise or resort vacation, but you can’t seem to get all the details about it unless you pay the company, you may be dealing with a travel scam. Typically, scam operators won’t give you full and complete information in writing until after you’ve given them a credit card number, certified check or money order. Once you do get further information, there will be restrictions and conditions which make it more expensive, and even impossible, to take your trip.
While getting a refund is sometimes possible, it’s better to avoid paying anything in the first place. You might miss a legitimate good deal, but chances are you’ll save yourself time and money.