How the scam works:
This is one of the most common travel scams, especially now in the first couple of months of the year, when hot destinations are on everybody's mind.
Tricksters create great websites for “new” travel agencies offering amazing deals. Wouldn’t you like to brag to your friends that you went to the Mayan Riviera for $350?
The scammers, usually using amazing pictures stolen from the Internet to promote their destinations, create fake travel agencies for a month at a time, get hundreds of avid tourists who pay on the spot, and then close down the business.
How to avoid:
Before you book your next holiday vacation, search on-line for the name of the provider and for several reviews. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Use recommendations from your friends or visit a local travel agency. If you choose the online option, rely only on reputable companies that have great feedback for their good deals. There are a few recommendations if you are traveling soon:
Expedia - is the #1 online travel agency, with more than 140,000 lodging properties worldwide, 500+ travel partnerships with direct airline and hotel suppliers, up to $500 savings by booking flight + hotel together, and no booking fees on single-carrier flights. You can look for deals HERE
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Vayama - Its interactive map tool is a great way to access a wider selection of airlines, routes and fares. Vayama provides more flight choices to select from, so you can find the lowest prices and best schedules.
Hotels.com - offers more than 140,000 properties in 60 countries - from hotels and B&B's to condos and all-inclusive resorts. They also specialize in providing accommodations during sold-out periods--all backed by the Hotels.com Price Match Guarantee. You can look for your next destination's hotel HERE
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Airfare.com - Airfare.com offers up to 70% off published airfares on major airlines world wide as well as discounted hotel stays. Worth checking it out.
DHR - is a leading online travel distributor specializing in discounted hotel bookings worldwide. It enables travel consumers to book deeply discounted accommodations worldwide and covers over 15,000 cities.
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