TRAVEL SCAMSServices that require payment "up front" have, unfortunately, become a haven for unscrupulous individuals. The travel industry is one that seems to be attracting a fair number of con artists. As with all business transactions, using common sense and trusting your 'gut feeling' may save your cash and peace of mind.
If you're approached over the telephone, be very wary if:
* You're asked to make an immediate decision.
* A credit card number is needed over the telephone.
* The sales representative cannot identify on which airline you'll be flying. Using the term "major airline" isn't enough information.
* The sales representative balks at giving you a street address for the company. A post office box number will get you nowhere.
* You have to delay your trip two months or more. In most cases, 60 days is the deadline for disputing a credit card charge.
* You have to buy something to get your "free" trip. Do you have to pay for your hotel accommodation? Do you have to pay for airfare?
The best advice is to get everything in writing, before making any commitment. A legitimate travel company will be happy to provide you with brochures. Ask as many questions as you'd like. If your representative doesn't want to take the time to speak with you, take your money elsewhere.
HOTEL SECURITY
As you prepare to head south, you'll undoubtedly be staying in a hotel for a night or two. Here are some general hotel safety tips to ensure a pleasurable (and uneventful) trip.
* When you're in a crowded area such as the lobby, watch for a commotion that may be staged by pickpockets to distract you.
* Although convenient, "fanny packs" aren't a secure way to carry your cash. The strap can be easily cut from behind and the entire bag will be gone before you know it.
* Never leave your luggage unattended. If you use the bellman, the hotel becomes liable for your property. Use common sense personal papers, computers and jewelry should always be hand-carried and guarded by you.
* Cut down the distance that you have to walk outside with your luggage. Park as close to the hotel entrance as possible and remove all personal property from inside the car. If you don't want to take it into the hotel with you, lock it securely in your trunk.
WORK AT HOME AND MAKE A MILLION...NOT A CHANCE!
You've seen the ads offering great sums of money for you to work from home...how legitimate are they?
Many are scams targeting those who can least afford it stay-at-home mothers, the elderly and those who are handicapped. Most claim that no experience is necessary and almost all require a purchase in order to start the job.
Probably, the most common kind of work-at-home scheme is envelope stuffing. What you'll receive for your fee are photocopied instructions for you to place an advertisement similar to the one you answered. Basically, to make any money you'll have to con someone else.
Another work-at-home scheme offers ideas (for a price) about setting up a home business, or provides you with materials (again, for a price) to enable you to produce a specific item, such as a holiday centrepiece. What you're not told is that it's up to you to find a buyer the company has no interest in selling these for you they've already sold YOU the materials.
If the company DOES offer to purchase the completed item, look for the small print. Is there a stipulation about the items meeting their "exacting standards"? Guaranteed, nothing that you send them will be good enough, and you'll have a basement full of useless items.