CONSUMER ALERT: Airfare Fraud

Tools

Story Published: Nov 2, 2007 at 9:16 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 7, 2008 at 12:14 PM MST

By Rick Montañez

Video

A consumer alert from the better business bureau that you need to know about was just released. Postcards have been circulating all around town promising airline tickets and vacation packages.

The BBB has been getting plenty of complaints about this one. Postcards are getting sent to you and your neighbors, they have airline names on them like Southwest and United airlines, consumers tell the BBB the offer is actually for a software package that connects you to airlines for discounted flights.

The postcards say things like "we have been going crazy trying to contact you!" And, "You will receive, at your request, two round trip airfares to anywhere in the US!"

A few red flags you want to look out for, the first being that nowhere on the card does it say these tickets are free. So the BBB says to use caution if you do decide to pursue this offer.

The next thing to look out for, this company only provides a P.O. Box out of Surprise, Arizona. You never want to give personal information to a company without confirming something more than a P.O. Box.

Thirdly, The postcards say two key things, "We have two tickets for you...we are offering you a "vacation package."

You need to be careful, two round trip tickets are very different than a vacation package. Here are some things you can do to keep yourself safe:

Don't confirm or validate any credit card information prior to seeing
more on the offer in writing. always ask questions, and ask for printed materials. Don't give into high pressure tactics.

And since they're offering software, ask the company if you can speak to someone who has used the software. Remember you have the right to ask any question you want before confirming any personal information.

I you encounter this or any other consumer problem you can contact the BBB or send us an email to investigate for you. Yourturn@kidk.com

Current Weather

Current Temp 36.0 °F

Partly Cloudy

Video

More Weather

Current Weather

More Weather

Upload directly from your mobile device.

Learn how

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.