TALLAHASSEE, FL - Floridians are being asked to to be aware of a scam offering fake vacation packages.
According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, if you receive a robocall, email or fax offering a vacation package, you should be wary. Even it they claim to be a legitimate travel agency like Expedia, Travelocity, or TripAdvisor.
The state says consumers can protect themselves be following these tips:
- Find out if the seller of travel is registered with the department and if any complaints have been filed against it.
- Never give out credit card or checking account numbers over the phone unless the consumer initiated the call and is certain of the company's credentials.
- Read the entire contract thoroughly, ask questions and do not sign it if there is any doubt.
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Go directly to the legitimate travel booking company website, such as Expedia.com or Travelocity.com, and contact the company's customer service department to confirm the promotion.
Those that think they may be a victim of fraud can contact the consumer protection hot line at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352).
