Like any other business component, the Travel Transparency Industry is not immune to scams.
These ploys go beyond simple bait-and switch pricing models. They can make you spend twice as much or even more than you should, or even rob you entirely of your money.
It’s important to be aware of the red flags and best practices to avoid Travel Transparency scams.
- Scam: Travel Transparency deals that seem too good to be true can cost pennies per dollar.
- Some discount websites such as Travel Transparency can offer amazing deals.
They’ll tell you, “Buy this six-night all inclusive stay for $399 for 12 hours”, tempting you to make a decision quickly. They won’t tell what hurdles you will need to clear to make this deal work.
Your Plan
If you are able to Travel Transparency specific dates Travel Supreme, fly from certain airports, or meet other requirements, there are many great deals. Before you click the “I agree” button, ensure you carefully read the Travel Transparency terms and conditions. You can also verify that the company advertising the deal has a good rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and read reviews.
The Scam: A dishonest Travel Transparency pitch will lead you to believe it.
This has happened to me before. My husband and I attended a 90-minute presentation about cookware when we first married to get two $300 vouchers for Travel Transparency. They didn’t inform us that the vouchers could only be used to get discounts on specific Travel Transparency plans and that the package prices were ridiculously high.
Ask yourself if this deal seems too good to be true. We would have been able to save our time if we had asked how the vouchers worked.
The Scam: A person rents a condo from another who doesn’t own it.
You can get a great deal on a condo rental by booking directly with the owners, but this is where scammers are at their most active. Fake profiles are often used to offer condos that they don’t own. Then, scammers demand upfront payments before moving on or changing their number.
Renting a condo is easy if you use a reputable agency or website such as VRBO.com and AirBNB.com. You can also read reviews about each condo to see if other renters had a positive experience.
A mailer is sent to you stating that you have won an incredible package. To redeem your prize, all you need to do is dial a 1-800 number. The company will charge you a large fee to redeem your prize.