Neighbor News
BBB Advice for Spring Break Travelers
Before you make your escape, the BBB Serving Wisconsin wants to make sure your spring break trip isn't ruined by the threat of scams.
The calendar tells us spring is just around the corner. And although it was a milder Wisconsin winter season this year, college students and consumers alike are planning and will be looking forward to spring break getaways. Before you make your escape, the Better Business Bureau Serving Wisconsin wants to make sure your trip isn’t ruined by the threat of scams.The reality is, the possibility of scams starts when you start planning your trip, and the BBB wants to remind you to proceed with caution before heading south.
Consumers renting private homes and condos has risen in popularity. BBB warns consumers to watch out for fake rental listings that aren’t actually available or don’t exist at all. Last year, BBB received nearly 1,200 complaints against vacation rentals nationwide. Scammers contacted victims by phone or through online classifieds, and most victims used a wire transfer service or credit card to make a payment.
The BBB offers the following tips when planning a vacation.
1. Book through a reliable travel agent. Check the agency’s report at bbb.org or find a BBB Accredited Business. Accredited Businesses must adhere to the BBB’s 8 standards of trust, including advertise honestly, be transparent, and honor promises.
2. Get details about your trip in writing. Be sure to confirm the details, such as total cost, any restrictions that apply, flights, hotel reservations, and car rental.
3. Use a credit card as payment. Paying by credit card offers the most protection should something to wrong.
4. Consider purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance provides coverage for particular perils which are specific conditions under which it will pay claims. Be sure to shop around and read the terms and conditions before purchasing.
5. Use caution when considering deals. If a deal or package offers a lot for a very low price, be wary. If something seems too good to be true, it usually is.
6. Be wary of claims you “won” a trip. Generally if you’ve truly won something, it will be given to you as a gift. Be especially leary if the offer is unsolicited. Check on any offers with the Better Business Bureau.
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