Don’t Let Scams Ruin Spring Break

Connecticut BBB Offers “Spring Break 101” Tips 

After a cold winter, students and others are looking ahead to a spring break getaway, however, Connecticut Better Business Bureau has some advice to prevent travel problems and scams that could put a damper on the vacation.

“The problems can begin when you are booking your trip,” says Connecticut Better Business Bureau President, Paulette Scarpetti.  “Students can learn a lot about avoiding difficulties when planning for their spring break.”

Swindlers know there is money to be had at this time of year, and they tailor their schemes accordingly to target students. Common spring break scams include unrealistically low prices for vacation packages, deceptive information about hotel accommodations and undisclosed fees.

Connecticut BBB says some common sense preparations can help keep the focus on fun, rather than fixing travel-related problems:

Be careful how you book – Check other consumers’ experience at http://www.ct.bbb.org/ before using a travel agent or online travel booking website.

Watch for red flags – These include promises of premium airfare or top-rated accommodations for a very low price.  Avoid any site that requires payment in order to see the details of the package.

Get details about your trip in writing - Be sure to confirm details such as total cost, any applicable restrictions, and extra fees for flights, hotel reservations, and car rental.

Use a credit card for payment - Paying by credit card offers the most protection should something to wrong.  Also, let your credit card issuer know that you are going out of town.  Transactions may be rejected if the credit card company detects unusual activity, such as charges from another state or country.

Consider purchasing travel insurance - Travel insurance provides coverage for trip cancelation, lost luggage and injury. Be sure to shop around and read the terms and conditions before purchasing.

Be wary of claims you “won” a trip - Be suspicious if the offer is unsolicited or requires payment of any kind to redeem, such as fees and taxes.

You will find additional consumer news, alerts and tips at www.ct.bbb.org.

-By Howard Schwartz, Executive Communications Director, Connecticut Better Business Bureau 

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