How to protect yourself from travel scams

By Henni Espinosa, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau

Posted at 03/06/2015 1:44 PM

CALIFORNIA – Many Filipinos continue to be victims of airline ticket scams. But there are ways to protect yourself from getting ripped off hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Travel experts urged Filipinos to go only to a seller that's not only trusted, but also licensed. At the very least, this shows the seller complied with the law to be registered.
Experts say if the price is too good to be true, it probably is.
"Usually, prices only change between $10 to $30. If the agent is telling you that her ticket is $200 less, that's a red flag," said Lyn Abad of Pacific Air.
As soon as you purchase a ticket, whether online or in person, experts say you should immediately get a ticket showing a confirmation code.
"A ticket can be generated as soon as you purchase or pay the agent," said Sol Solleza of Philippine Airlines.
To be sure of your ticket, contact the airline.
"In this day and age, it's all electronic ticket. But people can doctor that. Anybody with basic Photoshop skills can put roundtrip or one-way ticket," said Japi Francisco of Mango Tours.
If victimized by ticket scammers, contact your Attorney General's office for refund through the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund.
"If you get scammed by someone who's a registered seller of travel in the state of California, you can get your money back," said Joe Ridout of Consumer Action.
If you used a credit card to pay for the ticket, advocates say you may be able to get your money back.
"There are protections built into credit cards that give you the right to do a charge back, get your money back within 60 days if you don't get what you paid for. That doesn't exist for debit cards, checks, or cash," Ridout added.
You may also file case against the seller before a small claims court or report the seller to the Better Business Bureau to alert other buyers.

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