Spring Break Travel Scams
How College Students Can Avoid Travel Package Scammers
Watch out for Spring Break package deals that seem too good to be true! Here's how to avoid getting ripped off by a scammer.
When it comes to Spring Break travel, there are plenty of unscrupulous businesses and individuals out there who see college students as easy targets. As the semester break approaches, you'll start seeing ads on the Internet, in your college newspaper, and all over campus for Spring Break package deals. Be careful! Some of these packages come with ridiculous add-on prices, and in some cases are flat-out scams that deliver nothing. Scammers play upon students' need to save money by offering deals that seem too good to be true-- and, unfortunately, they are. Here's how to avoid being ripped off.
Work with a Travel Agent
Students are accustomed to buying all kinds of things on the Internet, so it just makes sense to purchase a Spring Break package deal this way as well. However, because there are so many scams around, this is one purchase you may want to make with the help of a customer service agent whom you talk to in person. Find a reputable travel agent who can give you advice about how to save money without getting ripped off. Be sure to check out travel agencies that specialize in student travel because they often can get you great discounts.
Check Travel Company Reputation
If you book your own trip, check up on the company, especially if it's a small one. Look for Internet reviews-- but be careful because Internet reviews can sometimes be fabricated. Better yet, ask the company for references and call the Better Business Bureau to make sure there aren't reports of fraud. One of the best things you can do is talk to other students (on campus, on Facebook, and so forth) to find out which companies are reputable and which are not. In addition, avoid doing business with travel companies that exclusively book trips for Spring Break as opposed to all kinds of travel.
Get a Contract
Do not pay for any part of a Spring Break travel package (including a deposit) until you sign a detailed contract. The contract should include travel dates, your airline and flight number, hotel reservations, and information about cancellation and other policies.
Use Your Credit Card Wisely
Always use a credit card to book travel expenses. This way, if you encounter fraud, you can call your credit card company and report it. Almost all credit card companies will remove fraudulent charges that are reported in a timely manner. However, when using your credit card, be careful. Never give your credit card number to a company unless you have good evidence that they are legitimate. Hotels may ask you for a credit number to reserve a room, and usually, this is fine. However, if you do this, check your credit card statements carefully to make sure they haven't charged you for a room before your trip. If this happens, ask for a refund immediately and then inform your credit card company. This may be a scam in which someone is charging credit cards inappropriately and then pocketing the money.
Have a great time, and don't get scammed! For more information on Spring Break travel, here are some Spring Break Safety Tips.
