Travel Scams Slammed

When Vacation Packages are Too Good to Be True

Ever been offered a vacation package that seems too good to be true? You're not alone. And when many consumers complained about being burned by unscrupulous travel firms and being suckered in by scams, the government did something about it.

In a major effort to protect travel consumers, the FTC announced "Operation Trip Trap" on August 3, 1999. According to the FTC,

"While promising "dream vacations," [companies] often failed to disclose material facts about the vacation packages or tours they were selling, including total costs, refund policies, dates the consumers could travel, specific destinations, or type of accommodations offered.

The federal agency joined with 21 states, according to CNN, and announced charges against 25 travel firms for

"overstating amenities; telling travelers they've won trips they haven't; hiding extra charges in "all-inclusive" packages; and charging for products and services they never delivered."

Firms that go after students and younger travelers taking their first major trips were also targeted, according to USA Today. In addition, companies that require travelers to sit through lengthy sales pitches can be charged with fraudulent, misleading practices.