Here is a list of organizations that can be helpful if you are researching a
travel deal you suspect of being a scam or if you have already been victimized.
They can also help mediate billing disputes when other options have been
exhausted.
Many people rely on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for guidance. What they
don't realize is that the BBB does not actively investigate fraud. For the most
part, they rely on reports from consumers. You have no way to know if a
complaint comes from a disgruntled person or if the person was actually
cheated. If you choose to call the BBB, check your phone directory for the
local listing.
AIR TRAVEL
The Department of Transportation monitors fraudulent advertising regarding
air travel. Write to The Office of Consumer Affairs (I-25), 400 7th St. SW,
Washington, DC 20590; call 202-366-2220; go on-line at
www.dot.gov.
The Aviation Consumer Action Project was founded by Ralph Nader and concerns
itself with all consumer airline issues and lobbying efforts. Write to 529 14th
St. NW, Suite 1265, Washington, DC 20045; call 202-638-4000; fax 202-638-0746;
go online at www.acap1971.org.
LODGING
The hotel industry is loosely knit. There is no overseeing body. The
American Hotel and Motel Association does have some influence in mediating
disputes but you must first go the management of the hotel in question and (if
need be) the corporate office of the hotel's chain. Write to 1201 New York Ave. NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20005-3931; call 202-289-3100; fax 202-289-3199; go on-line at www.ahma.com.
The American Resort Development Association is comprised of time-share
sellers who operate under a stringent code of ethics. They offer a free
brochure of tips to help you avoid potential scams. Write to 1220 L St. NW,
Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005; call 202-371-6700; fax 202-289-8544; go
on-line at www.arda.org.
CRUISE TRAVEL
The Federal Maritime Commission monitors the solvency of cruise lines
sailing from U.S. ports and will assist you if you are having trouble receiving
settlement for injuries on board any U.S.-embarking cruise ship. Write to the
Bureau of Consumer Complaints and Licensing, 800 N. Capitol St. NW, Washington,
DC 20573; call 202-523-5807; fax 202-523-5830; go online at
www.fmc.gov.
GOVERNMENT
The vast majority of U.S. Senators can be contacted via the internet. A
comprehensive list of email addresses can be found at
www.senate.gov/contacting/index.cfm.
TRAVEL AGENTS
Check out travel agencies and tour companies or get help in mediating a
dispute with any member agency from the American Society of Travel
Agents. They also keep files on complaints regarding non-member agencies
and offer free consumer brochures. Write to Consumer Affairs Department, 1101
King St., Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314; call 703-739-2782; fax 703-684-8319;
go on-line at www.ASTAnet.com.
The Institute of Certified Travel Agents will refer you to legitimate
agencies and travel specialists. Write to Box 812059, Wellesley, MA 02482-0012;
call Phone 800-542-4282; fax 888-329-4282; go on-line at
www.icta.com.
Contact the U.S. Tour Operators Association for information on
reputable tour agencies. Write to 342 Madison Ave., Suite 1522, New York, NY
10173; call 212-599-6599; fax 212-579-6744; e-mail to
ustoa@aol.com; go on-line at
www.ustoa.com.
MAIL FRAUD
If you've been victimized by mail fraud, immediately notify the postal
inspector at your local post office. You can also write to the Chief Postal
Inspector of the U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20260; call 202-268-2000; go online at www.usps.com/postalinspectors.
EXCESSIVE PHONE CHARGES
If you encounter excessive phone charges or surcharges or if you'd like a
free brochure titled Know The Phone Facts Before You Hit The Road,
contact the Federal Communication Commission. Write to Informal
Complaints and Public Inquires Branch, Mail Stop Code 1600 A2, Washington, DC
20554; call 888-225-5322; go on-line at www.fcc.gov.
GENERAL FRAUD
Call for Action is a consumer advocacy group that assists victims of
fraud. Write to 5272 River Rd., Suite 300, Bethesda, MD 20816; call
800-647-1756; go online at www.callforaction.org.
The National Fraud Information Center offers free brochures and a
consumer hotline. Their internet site contains preventative information. Write
to Box 65868, Washington, DC 20590; call 800-876-7060; e-mail to E-mail
nfic@internet.mci.com; go on-line at
www.fraud.org.
The American Association of Retired Persons has a particular interest
in preventing seniors from being victimized by fraud. Write to Consumer Affairs
Section; 601 E St. NW, Washington, DC 20049; call 800-424-3410; go on-line at
www.aarp.org.
 Email to a Friend
|
