FTC Hits Tour Scams
Guide Extra: 8/3/99
The Federal Trade Commission, in cooperation with 21 state and federal law enforcement agencies filed charges that 25 travel companies, "misled consumers about the vacation packages they were selling, overstated the amenities included, told travelers they had won trips that they had not, hid extra charges in "all-inclusive" packages, or charged consumers for products and services they never received."
The FTC announced "Operation Trip Trap" in response to numerous consumer complaints of travel-related fraud.
For complete information, visit the following FTC Web sites:
Operation
Trip Trap - Press Release
Includes a list of all travel agencies and tour operators charged by the FTC.
State
Actions Filed
Lists the 47 state actions against 25 companies and two restitution orders filed
on behalf of the Department of Transportation, in conjunction with previous state actions.
Facts for Consumers: Telemarketing Travel Fraud
Contains information on how telemarketers obtain consumers' names and the
techniques they employ to convince people to purchase their products. It also explains how
consumers can protect themselves from travel-related telemarketing scams.
Traveler's Advisory: Get What You Pay For
More consumer protection information for travelers from the FTC.
