Better business office
No! There’s always a catch. Now that consumers are back on the road, phone calls, text messages or emails are likely to have started “free” vacations. The promise of a free cruise or all-inclusive trip sounds tempting, but is it really free? Before packing, make sure you know exactly what is free and what the additional costs are.
Consumers should understand that because a cruise or travel company advertises a vacation as “free”, it does not necessarily mean that the trip is completely free or unrestricted. Look out for additional port air transport fees, port fees, taxes, tips, and other unlisted fees.
BBB offers tips to consumers who receive phone calls, text messages, mailers, or emails about free cruises:
• Research the company by searching the internet and contacting BBB. Check the company’s BBB business profile below BBB.org.
• Ask for references from people who have been offered and taken a similar cruise and contact them.
• Read each contract carefully before you sign or pay money. Familiarize yourself with the company’s refund policy in case you are not satisfied with the service.
• Inquire about the location of the company headquarters, check that it is a real address and that the company is located there.
• Read all the fine print for compulsory participation in a timeshare or holiday club presentation.
• Take into account all fees which are necessary for the use of your trip. Does it still feel “free”? Do the fees seem reasonable? Any trip or prize that requires a referral should be suspect. If you choose to pay fees and claim the price, you will pay with a credit card in case you need to dispute the charge.
Red flags:
1. When you are declared a winner of a drawing and don’t remember or have no evidence for the drawing, ask questions.
2. The journey sounds incredible However, there is one suspicious catch like a mandatory presentation, referral program, or other catch.
3. Whenever someone says you have to accept the offer now or it’s gone forever, walk away or hang up the phone.
You can report fraud ScamTracker.org, Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov, & FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center at .
