Travel Scams

When there’s a nip in the air you may long for a trip to the warm sun and beautiful beaches of Hawaii.

I'm Shirley Rooker for the Federal Trade Commission.

That’s the allure behind some travel scams that are starting to heat up as the weather cools down. For example, on Call For Action complaint involved the promise of a fabulous Hawaiian holiday if the consumer purchased a lifetime membership in a buying club for $499.

After purchasing the membership, our caller received a packet of information that shattered her hopes for a Hawaiian vacation. She was distressed to learn that she would have to pay for a hotel, food, and all other expenses while in Hawaii. Hot the free vacation she was promised in the sales pitch.

If you are thinking of purchasing goods or services because you have been promised a fabulous trip, money, a new car, or dozens of other items, keep in mind that we have a file drawer full of complaints from unhappy consumers who have fallen for the same pitch.

I'm Shirley Rooker, director of WTOP radio's Call For Action for the Federal Trade Commission.

January 2002