While some leisure and entertainment opportunities are legitimate, many are scams that defraud consumers out of millions of dollars each month. If you have been offered a great bargain on a cruise or resort vacation, but you cannot seem to get all the details unless you pay the company first, you may be dealing with a travel scam.

Typically, scam operators will not give you full and complete information in writing until after you’ve given them a credit card number, certified check or money order. Once you do get further information, there will be restrictions and conditions which may make it more expensive, or even impossible, to take your trip. In addition, many offers require you to pay upgrade costs to receive the actual destinations, accommodations, cruises or dates you were promised. Some offers may require you to pay more for port charges, hotel taxes or service fees.

See a pattern developing? New charges are being added every step of the way. You may never get your “bargain” trip because your reservations may not be confirmed or because you must comply with hard-to-meet, hidden or expensive “conditions.” Telemarketing travel scams usually originate out of “boiler rooms.” Skilled salespeople, often with years of experience selling dubious products and services over the phone, pitch travel packages that may sound legitimate, but often are not.

Fraud related to leisure and entertainment include the following:

• Travel scams
• Cruise ships
• Travel insurance

If you are a victim of consumer fraud, contact Consumer Fraud Online to discuss your options.