If you’re planning a vacation, you’re probably looking to relax and take a break from reality for a bit. The last thing you want to deal with while on vacation is travel fraud.
Although there are some deceptive, unprofessional enterprises out there looking to take advantage of you, you have the ability to prevent the likelihood of being involved in travel fraud. The following are a few key suggestions to help you avoid crooked charlatans.
- Do your research
With the internet at your disposal, it’s easier than ever to find out what an travel enterprise’s reputation is. A number of third party websites and forums have been established for customers to post feedback about travel agencies and lodging. While researching travel professionals and potential destinations online, don’t be fooled by a professional looking website. These days it’s cheap and easy for anybody to purchase a good domain name and make a site look like it’s promoting a legitimate business. If you think you’ve found a good destination, contact all applicable businesses directly over the phone and make sure that all of your questions are fully answered. - Verify that your travel agent is licensed and bonded
All travel agents must be licensed and bonded. Consumers often know that professionals need to have a business license, but they typically don’t understand what it means to be “bonded.” A basic surety bond definition explains that bonds work to make sure professionals do their jobs according to industry standards. When travel agents get bonded, they have to pay a surety bond cost that is calculated based on their financial information and past work record. If a surety provider finds a travel agent applicant too risky, the company will not issue the bond and the travel agent will be unable to secure a business license. - Get travel insurance
If you decide to book a vacation, paying a little extra for travel insurance could really pay off for you if something should go awry. If you find out that you’re working with a business or professional that doesn’t offer travel insurance, this could be a sign that they’re not prepared to offer you a professional guarantee of their services. Plus, travel insurance protects a wide array of potential travel problems, even those that might be your fault. - Don’t be tempted by free offers
Generally speaking, there’s really no such thing as a “free” vacation. Websites or other businesses that offer a free vacation in exchange for something like your personal information are probably trying to take advantage of you. Sometimes newlyweds can get free honeymoons from timeshare companies or other similar enterprises for attending a seminar. Just be sure not to sign anything without reading the fine print. And always remember the age old adage: “If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.” - Don’t send payments if you’re unsure where they’re going
If you’re working with a licensed and bonded travel agent, then you shouldn’t have to worry about making sure your payments reach the appropriate receiver. (After all, that’s one of the main reasons people use travel agents.) However, if you’re booking your vacation on your own, make sure that you understand where exactly you’re sending each and every payment. Fraudulent travel scams will try to make the process as confusing as possible, which will leave you with little understanding of what exactly went wrong if somebody claims nonpayment later on.
This article was written by Kevin of SuretyBonds.com, an online surety bond producer that executes surety bonds to professionals nationwide.
