Training and Education Command

MARINE COPRS RECRUIT DEPOT PARRIS ISLAND/EASTERN RECRUITING REGION, S.C. - -- Vacation travel can be an adventure, but travelers beware of unscrupulous telemarketers, resorts and criminal elements, who all attempt to prey on your hard-earned dollars.

While planning your vacation, here are some tips to avoid falling into their trap.

Telemarketers

Telemarketers will call unsolicited and say you have been selected for a "free" vacation.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, many of these sales schemes are frauds. Many will ask for your credit card number, which will be charged fees for supposed registration, reservations and other hidden costs. The total of these costs begin to add up, particularly if it is an overseas destination.

The FTC suggests buying vacation travel packages from a business you know.

If possible, deal with businesses that belong to professional associations such as the American Society of Travel Agents, the National Tour Association or the United States Tour Operators Association. If you're not familiar with a company, get its complete name, address and local telephone number and research consumer protection agencies to see if it's a legitimate business or a fraud.

Hidden costs

Be aware of hidden fees that resorts or hotels may attempt to tack on to your bill.

Demand a quote in writing, and make sure that's what's charged to you. Many hotels have what's known as a resort tax.

"Some of them will have resort taxes which will run from five to 20 percent," said LaChelle Funk, Information, Tickets and Tours specialist. "Not all hotels have it."

Hotels should tell you if there's going to be a resort tax.

"If they don't, it's a good thing to ask," said Funk.

Many hotels also advertise themselves as 5- or 4-star accommodations, but do not live up to expectations.

"Don't always go by the advertised ratings," said Funk. "You're not going to know [the true rating] unless you know someone who has been there."

Tips for travelers

The FTC also offers tips to make sure you won't need a vacation at the end of your vacation. Be cautious if the names of the seller and travel provider differ. You may be dealing with a telemarketer who has no responsibility to you after the sale. Also be wary of newspaper or internet ads, especially ones that are received unsolicited.

These "deals" often contain hidden costs or don't tell you that you may have to attend a sales presentation to qualify for the discount or the travel. Avoid buying from a business that makes you send your payment via overnight courier. They may be trying to avoid detection and charges of mail or wire fraud.

Verify arrangements with your travel agent before you pay. Get the details of your vacation in writing and a copy of the cancellation and refund policies.

Ask if the business has insurance and whether you should buy cancellation insurance. Get the names, addresses and telephone numbers for the lodgings, airlines and cruise ships you'll be using. Don't accept vague terms such as "major hotels" or "luxury cruise ships." Call to verify specific reservations, too.

Finally, use a credit card to make your purchase. If you don't get what you paid for, you may be able to dispute the charges with your credit card company. However, there is usually a 30-day window to do so.

"You forfeit you right to dispute a charge if you fail to report it in a timely manner," said 1st Lt. Joshua D. Rosen, Law Center legal assistance officer.

Some telemarketers may claim they need your account information for identification or verification, they don't. Your account number should be used only to bill you for goods and services.

Play it safe

There are many legitimate travel and cruise packages available, but buyers should discriminate as to what they select. Learning the signs to differentiate a deal from a rip-off can keep your dream vacation from becoming a nightmare.