HOW TO AVOID FRAUDS/SCAMS? Information For Cruise Travelers Home

How can I avoid Frauds and Scams when booking a cruise online?  ( jump to read the article )

Unpleasant surprises can ruin a cruise vacation. That's why it pays to investigate before you buy.  On the internet it can be difficult to tell a legitimate offer from a fraudulent one, so consider these travelers' advisories from information complied from the Federal Trade Commission and other sources. Items noted in red are our suggestions. The information has been edited to focus on cruise travel related issues.

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How Can I avoid frauds/scams when booking a cruise online?

Look Before You Book

Consumer tips

How to avoid frauds/scams

" Does the cruise price seem too good to be true? If so, it probably is. Few legitimate businesses can afford to give away products and services of real value or substantially undercut other companies' prices."

Note: At Cruise Direct Online we value our relationship with our clients, so we represent all facts, conditions and requirements relating to you cruise vacation truthfully and as accurately as possible.

How To Protect Yourself

• Be wary of "great deals" and low-priced offers. Few legitimate businesses can afford to give away products and services of real value or substantially undercut other companies' prices.
• Don't be pressured into buying. Legitimate businesses don't expect you to make snap decisions.
• Ask detailed questions. Find out exactly what the cruise price covers and what it doesn't. Ask about additional charges. Get all the details included in your package. Consider contacting the cruise line directly to verify arrangements. Ask about cancellation policies and refunds.

          If the company can't give you detailed answers, go

          somewhere else.

• Get all information in writing before you agree to buy. Ask for a copy of the cruise line's own written confirmation. Once you receive the written information, make sure it reflects what you were told over the phone and the terms you agreed to. If the company offers you a great deal but won't give you the details in writing until you have paid, it could be a scam operation.     

          If the company can't give you a copy of the cruise lines

          own confirmation, go somewhere else.

• Don't buy part of the package - the air fare or cruise - separately from the rest. If the deal is not what you expected, it may be difficult to get your money back for the part of the package you purchased.
• Don't give your credit card number or bank information over the internet or phone. One easy way for a scam operator to close a deal is to get your credit card number and charge your account. Sometimes fraudulent telemarketers say they need the number for verification purposes only. Don't believe them.

         Note: Cruise Direct Online never asks for your credit card

         information over the internet or phone.  CDO faxes all the necessary documents directly to you.

         This helps protect your privacy and personal financia  information.

• Don't send money by overnight mail. Some scam artists may ask you to send them a check or money order immediately.  If you pay with cash or a check, rather than a credit card, you lose your right to dispute fraudulent charges under the Fair Credit Billing Act. If you charged your cruise to a credit card, you may dispute the charges by writing to your credit card issuer at the address provided for billing disputes. If possible, do this as soon as you receive your statement. In any case, the law gives you up to 60 days after the bill's statement date to dispute the charge.

• Check out the company before you buy. Contact the Attorney General in your state or where the company is located to see if any complaints have been lodged against the travel firm or the travel provider. Be aware that fraudulent businesses often change their names to avoid detection.

         If in doubt, say "no." Trust your instincts.

         It's less risky to turn down the offer so hang up the phone.

• Does the cruise price seem too good to be true? If so, it probably is.

          Few legitimate businesses can afford to give away products and services of real value or substantially

          undercut other companies' prices.

          Be wary of a salesperson who "pushes" one cruise line, cruise ship or itinerary. That's not a good sign that they

          are working in your best interest.

          You may be asked after you book and place a deposit to pay more for port charges, document shipping costs,

          higher than normal deposits upfront, unreasonable cancellation fees or are offered a bonus if you

          pay in-full upfront. 

         Note: Cruise Direct Online never charges extra fees.

         That cut-rate cruise offer may not be a bargain after all, especially when dealing with "Cheap" or "Deep

         Discount" travel brokers who might use bait and switch tactics to get you to buy something you did not

         want.

• Make sure that the company is registered with the State Attorney General's Office where it does business if it sells, or arranges for, air or sea travel (either separately or in conjunction with other services). Ask to see the company's current registration certificate. The certificate has the company's registration number, which must be included in all advertising.