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Dirty tricks from travel sites used to scam peopleSome "legitimate online travel agencies (OTAs)", besides running their legitimatebusiness, are running a scam.I'll explain the scam using as example: TRAVEL.SCAM (a ficticious OTA). For a realcase read this:http://www.victimsofexpedia.com/mycase.htm How does it work? The mechanism of the scam is complex, involving poor customersupport, lies, ignoring customers complaints, use of "web based" e-mail system, useof "automated message", "fine prints" and "term and conditions" and "separateterms and conditions".At a first glance there is nothing illegal but the way they use all that is to scamcustomers.1)TRAVEL.SCAM will charge your credit card for whatever you book (hotel, flights,vacation package, trip insurance), then you are on your own. Is something happens,(canceled flights, loss of your ticket -even if they are responsible for the loss-) theydon't take responsibility. So, far this is legal. Where is the scam? In some cases,TRAVEL.SCAM will fail to provide the service you paid for but they will do anything tokeep the money they charged in your credit card. They use a lot of tricks to do that:2) Poor customer support: This is very typical. There are plenty of examples of customers that try to contact the customer support team but are put on hold forhours before talking to a real person. Once you are able to talk to someone, youhave to give him/her a number (itinerary or booking number) and explain you case.They will tell you that they are going to solve your problem and they are going tocontact you. Most of the time they never call you (lies) you will have to call again.Again you will have to spend time giving your number (itinerary or booking number)and explain you case.3) Some OTA uses a "web based" e-mail system. This sounds great, once you arelogged in your account you just need to "click" a button and a new window appearsshowing a box where you can write to TRAVEL.SCAM. It looks very friendly, you don'tneed to type the e-mail address of the company, just write and submit yourmessage. Where is the trick? You will not have a copy of the message you sent tothem. Most of the time they will not answer you message (ignore customer) or willsend you an "automated message" like this: " Dear TRAVEL.SCAM customer We haveforwarded your request to the appropriate department and you will receive aresponse from that department within 72 hours. If you have further questions, feelfree to reply to this e-mail or contact TRAVEL.scam customer services at 1-800-WHO CARE -and reference case ID . You can also visit the TRAVEL.SCAM "CustomerSupport" page for more customer service information. Thank you for choosingTRAVEL.SCAM Sydney TRAVEL.SCAM Cuustomer Support Team Of course, most of the time nobody will take care of your case and you will have to call again and send
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cinimin

hahaha lol.dat is so damn cool!

reply01 / 13 / 2011
skqh

What help do you need Faja? I'm the agent mentioned below you and I sell a lot of Europe.

reply04 / 09 / 2008
FAJA

INEED TO GO TO EUROPE. INEED HELP, FREE TIKET

reply04 / 09 / 2008
skqh

I've been a travel agent for 20+ years and immensely care about my clients. I always go the extra mile. . .

reply03 / 16 / 2008
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