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TWELVE WAYS TO AVOID INTERNET TRAVEL SCAMS
USTOA Offers Tips

The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) offers the following hints for protecting yourself against Web travel fraud:

1. Watch out for claims such as, "You have been specially selected to receive our spectacular luxury dream vacation offer." This doesn't mean you'll get a free vacation. It only means you may be offered an opportunity to pay for a trip that may fit your idea of luxury - or not. (Source: Federal Trade Commission)
2. If you are not familiar with the company offering the travel deal find out as much as possible, including their complete name, address and local phone number. Good sources are the Better Business Bureau or your travel agent.
3. Find out if the company is a member of an organization with a consumer protection plan, such as USTOA. All USTOA packages are backed by the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program, which, among other requirements, reimburses travelers’ deposits and monies up to an aggregate $1 Million in the event of an Active USTOA member company default or bankruptcy. For information, call toll-free 1-800-GO-USTOA (468-7862) or visit www.ustoa.com for a listing of USTOA member companies.
4. Do not give your credit card number unless you know the company you are giving it to.
5. Be wary if a company will guarantee the discounted rates only if you take immediate action.
6. Be cautious if you're told that you have 18 months or more to take the trip. By the time you try to make reservations, the company could be out of business. Many illegitimate firms will use stall tactics so your offer will expire before you can take a trip. Promises that bargain prices to a desirable location are available at any time are usually false, since both prices and availability vary widely between peak and off-season. (Source: National Fraud Information Center, part of the National Consumer League)
7. Watch out for "instant travel agent" offers, where companies offer to sell you travel agent identification that will guarantee you discounted rates.
8. Do not judge a company by its Web site. A fancy Web site with flashy streamers, videos and stunning graphics is no guarantee that a company is financially stable or will safeguard or vacation.
9. Seeing the offer on a Web site does not count as getting the offer in writing.
10. A Web site can be easily changed and provides no proof of what the offer was like when you first saw it. (Source: National Fraud Information Center, part of the National Consumer League)
11. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If the price is unusually low, get details on what is and is not included, and whether your hotel is centrally-located or not. Be sure to check all the details and conditions of the offer before committing your dollars.
12. If you're not sure about whether a Web site is legitimate, do your research through the Internet. Then ensure your peace of mind by booking your vacation through a travel agent who is a member of ICTA (Institute of Certified Travel Agents), ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) or ARTA (Association of Retail Travel Agents).

About USTOA

As the premier organization of its kind, USTOA numbers nearly 140 of the top travel companies offering tours and vacations worldwide. The association's Active Member companies move more than ten million travelers yearly, accounting for over $8 billion in travel sales.

For a listing of USTOA Active Member companies, as well as a free copy of USTOA's "Smart Traveler's Kit," contact USTOA, 275 Madison Ave., Suite 2014, New York, NY 10016; or phone 1-800-GO-USTOA (468-7862); or e-mail information@ustoa.com. Information on USTOA member companies as well as the destinations they serve is available on the Internet at http://www.ustoa.com.