• Be skeptical, and read or listen to exactly what is being said, not what you want to hear. Although you would like to be hearing that you won an all expenses paid trip to the Caribbean, like everything else, it probably comes with a price.
  
• Be aware of what "subject to availability" means; there's a chance you may not be able to get the travel dates you want.
  
• If you're not familiar with the company, get its name, address and local telephone number. You can also check up on their track record by contacting the Attorney General, consumer protection agency or Better Business Bureau to see if complaints have been filed against them.
  
• Be wary of giving your Social Security Number or credit card over the phone or online, unless you are certain you are dealing with a reputable company and a secure server. (See Better Business Bureau)
  
• Read the fine print. You may get free airfare, but be asked to pay high rates for accommodations, making the total price higher than you would pay for a typical package tour. Inquire about and include all "extra" fees in your calculations. Don't forget service charges, taxes, and processing fees. Look out for "blackout dates," which are days, usually over the holidays or during peak travel times, when you will not be permitted to travel.
  
• Ask what is NOT included; tips, taxes, etc.
  
• Don't be fooled by phrases like "This is the last day to book" or "Offer expires at midnight". That could be the case, but often, these are just ploys to get you to make a rash decision, or not check the background on the provider as you ought to. Never allow yourself to be pressured to make an immediate decision.
  
• Never disclose your social security, credit card, checking account number or any other personal information via fax, phone or email.
  
• Always ask for a copy of the cancellation and refund policies.
  
• Never dial a 900 number. No credible company will require you to pay for a phone call to the reservations or customer service center. Also beware calling locations with 809, 758, or 664 area codes. These numbers (and dozens more) seem like American phone numbers, but are actually locations within the Caribbean and could charge exorbitant per minute rates. If you're ever uncertain, you can easily locate the area code's origin online.
  
• Get a receipt in writing; if you make reservations online, print out the itinerary and receipt.
  
• Find out the exact names of the hotels, airports, airlines, and restaurants that your package includes; if they tell you a "major hotel chain" or "major airline" ask for specifics. Their interpretation of what these include might surprise you.
  
• Always call to verify your reservations, even if you are comfortable with your itinerary.
  
• Use a credit card to pay for the trip. If something does go wrong you may need to dispute the charges.
  
• On phone offers - make sure you are not agreeing to anything you don't want to, especially if they are from your credit card company, which will bill you automatically. These aren't "scams" per se, but the language telemarketers use is often confusing (deliberately or not), and you may authorize a charge without quite knowing you did it.
  
• Taxi  - most airports will have an authorized cab dispatcher who will advise you how much cab fare from the airport should run.

• Solicitors who call after business hours. Legitimate businesses normally operate between regular business hours.
  
• Deals that require you to pay before you receive the necessary information, or ask you to pay for the information.
  
• If you are told that the earliest departure date is two months away, this should be cause for concern. The deadline for disputing a credit card charge is 60 days.
  
• Contests which do not post or provide "rules" or requirements. A lawful contest must provide rules to participants.

• Emails, faxes, or mail announcing that you have been "chosen" to win a free vacation, free airfare, or a hotel stay -- especially when you know you haven't entered anything. Chances are, you are one of probably hundreds of people who received this, and they are hoping at least one of you will bite. Don't.
  
• Watch out for advertisements for bargain basement prices, or "discount travel certificates" available if you agree to a time share presentation. 
  
• Travel Clubs which require you to pay a fee for participation, and in return promise travel discounts for all cardholders. While there are many legitimate travel clubs, this is a very common scam. Do your homework before joining.
  
• Two-for-one or "companion" scams which offer you two tickets for the price of one, when in reality the cost of one ticket is as much, if not more, than you would have paid for two separately.

Telemarketers calling promising great travel packages if you agree to pay now, over the phone. These are often skilled
salespeople who know how to put the pressure on, and avoid answering specific questions about the offer until after you fork over a credit card number.

Been Scammed?
If you think you have been the victim of fraud, find out what recourse you may have, and how to file a complaint. Don't hesitate to drop us an email and let us know about it -- we can save other travelers from what you endured. For further resources, be sure to visit the National Fraud Information Center.