Vacationers beware: there’s a scam targeting travelers that has struck several times in Saskatchewan.
Essentially, how it works is that someone claiming to represent the Luxury Getaway Group calls and offers a travel package. After they get the person’s credit card number and authorize payment, they disappear.
“It’s all variations on a theme: they call you, they pitch an enticing offer, they get your payment info, and once they have your information … then they take the money and they vanish,” said Mathew Barton, a communications consultant with the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority.
One man called the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan after seeing an advisory in the paper. He had given over $1,200 to the scammers and wanted to get his money back. The Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority is trying to make people aware so that situation doesn’t happen again.
“What we’re mainly trying to do is warn the public, educate them, making clear that if you didn’t call the company, if they called you unsolicited, you need to be careful,” Barton said.
Several people have received the calls, including an investigator with the department.
“Because he works in consumer protection, a bunch of flags went up,” Barton said.
There are some red flags to watch out for if you get a call like this. If they call on the phone, one warning sign is if it’s a high-pressure sale. They’ll try to convince their victim that they have to act now or lose out on the deal. Another warning sign is if they call you. A third is if the offer sounds too good to be true.
Individuals who realize they are on the phone with a scammer should do their best to get the person’s name, phone number, or any other kind of contact info.
“Any kind of information that can help us figure out who they are or where they are,” Barton said.
Under the Direct Sellers Act, a person or company who calls an individual to sell something is required to have a license. If you suspect you’re on the phone with a scammer, ask for their license number and confirm its authenticity at http://www.fcaa.gov.sk.ca/fcaa411/. As well, individuals can file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and follow up to see if there are other complaints filed against the company.
“Do your homework, do your due diligence,” Barton said.
If you have been scammed, cancel the payment immediately. There’s generally a window where, depending on the company and the credit card, you can cancel the payment before it gets charged. After that, victims can file a formal complaint with Financial Affairs and the police.
According to the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority website, here are some other ways to stay safe planning a vacation:
- Work with a recognized travel agency;
- Pay with a credit card so you can dispute the charges if the offer was misrepresented;
- Be aware of restrictions on travel deals;
- Read and understand any contracts;
- Confirm transportation and hotels included in the travel package;
- Know exactly what’s included;
- Be skeptical of offers for free trips, and
- Be cautious about unsolicited emails for travel.
