We at the Travel Center 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 have 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, or even impossible, to take your trip.

Our Recommendations:

Be extremely skeptical about postcard and phone solicitations which say you have been selected to receive a fabulous vacation.

Never give out your credit card number unless you initiate the transaction and you are confident about the company with which you are doing business.

You should receive complete details in writing about any trip prior to payment. These details should include the total price; cancellation and change penalties, if any; and specific information about all components of the package.

If you insist on calling a 900 number in response to a travel solicitation, understand the charges and know the risks.

Walk away from high pressure sales presentations which don't allow you time to evaluate the offer, or which require that you disclose your income.

Be suspicious of companies which require that you wait at least 60 days to take your trip.

Travel scams are now appearing on the Internet also. Be careful and call us if you are suspicious. if you think you have been scammed, contact the Better Business Bureau, state Consumer Affairs Office, state Attorney General's office or American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) Consumer Affairs Department at (703)739-8739 for information and assistance.

Beware of "Card Mill" Promotions offering Free to Reduced Travel as Travel Agent Perks.
ASTA's Consumer Affairs Department cautions consumers to be aware of offers from "card mills"--companies that sell questionable travel agent credentials. Consumers may be led to believe that such cards allow them to travel at free or reduced fares. Organizations making these offers are known throughout the travel industry as card mills because they routinely offer credentials by the thousands in the form of an identification card that is sold for a significant fee ($295-1595 each!) In turn, these cards would presumably be accepted by every segment of the travel industry.
Most travel suppliers, however, do not accept them. The industry has become more vigilant in clamping down on these card mill credentials.

Currently, there is a "card mill" operation active in the Reno/Sparks area--don't waste your money because they are phony, deceptive and offer no bargains!