Warning: Beware of Cheap Online Holiday Bookings

[Wayne]

http://www.justice.vic.gov.au/home/abou ... %28news%29

25 Apr 2012

If you are planning to book your next holiday online, exercise caution to ensure the organisation you are dealing with is legitimate.

Since December 2011, Consumer Affairs Victoria has received eight complaints and 29 enquiries about an online scam offering consumers cheap flight and accommodation vouchers through cold calling.

Consumers who purchased the $99 vouchers found them almost impossible to redeem, and often had to pay an upfront $100 'processing fee' when requesting a refund. When refunds were not received, it was then impossible for consumers to contact the organisation, as the business address and ABN of another legitimate company overseas was illegally used.

Avoid being scammed when booking your next holiday by making sure you:

never agreeing immediately to unsolicited offers or deals
checking the organisation is genuine by researching the company online
never provide personal details or transfer money to an organisation or person you do not know or trust
are wary of websites with poor quality images, display poorly written content and use overseas payment facilities and contact numbers.