Spring is just nine days away, so it's the time for shady vacation offers to starting coming in the mail. So, how can avoid being taken by these cheap, maybe even free, vacation offers?
The offers usually are the size of a postcard, offering nearly free vacations as long as you sit through a day-long sales pitch. It can be appealing. But, the complaints about these offers are spiking, according to the Governor's Office of Consumer Protection, are spiking.
This is how it works. In some cases, you're offered free airline tickets and a free, or deeply discounted resort stay, to consider getting a travel club membership. You join for a fee, and are supposed to get all sorts of great discounted rates at nice resorts.
According to Governor's Office of Consumer Protection, mixed into to the views of beautiful beaches and good times can be high pressure sales tactics, and promises that are never kept.
Here's your checklist for making sure you don't get ripped off, Before you give anybody your credit card information ask for all of those promises made during the sales pitch in writing. If you win a "free" prize, do not pay a fee to get it. According to the Governor's Office of Consumer Protection, that is illegal. Free is free. If you have second thoughts, you have the right to cancel within 72 hours.
John Sours, who runs the Governor's Office of Consumer Protection, says that often times these things are a set-up from the word go.
"You'll be in a group of 15-25 people including one shill In the audience who talks about how wonderful this is and how glad they're there. If you fall for this, you spend hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on something that you could have gotten on your own," said John Sours.
You can always check with the Better Business Bureau to check on the companies that may be offering the deals. However, if you're willing to put in the work, you can shop on the internet for deeply discounted offers for really nice hotels and resorts.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:38 PM EDT2013-06-19 03:38:42 GMT
The City Council of Chamblee has delayed a controversial land rezoning variance. The Council also issued a preliminary resolution saying that they wanted to fire their own manager.
The City Council of Chamblee has delayed a controversial land rezoning variance. The Council also issued a preliminary resolution saying that they wanted to fire their own manager.
Monday, June 17 2013 8:03 AM EDT2013-06-17 12:03:25 GMT
We all get excited about leaving town and going on vacation, so we tend to tell everyone about it. But, a word of caution before spreading the good news.
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Monday, June 17 2013 7:13 AM EDT2013-06-17 11:13:04 GMT
Pomegranate juice has been sold as a real 'cure-all' over the last couple of years. But in a decision made this month, the FTC has ordered at least one manufacturer to back off on its strong health claims.
Pomegranate juice has been sold as a real 'cure-all' over the last couple of years. But in a decision made this month, the Federal Trade Commission has ordered at least one manufacturer to back off some pretty strong health claims.
Friday, June 14 2013 8:56 AM EDT2013-06-14 12:56:09 GMT
Retailers got the go-ahead to pass along some extra charges to you, but not without some rules attached. You might not have noticed them just yet, but you should be on the lookout.
Retailers got the go-ahead to pass along some extra charges to you, but not without some rules attached. You might not have noticed them just yet, but you should be on the lookout.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:56 AM EDT2013-06-18 09:56:03 GMT
Eager to cash in on the recent run of good news about the Stock Market, but you don't know how to get started? Here's how!
Eager to cash in on the recent run of good news about the Stock Market, but you don't know how to get started? Good Day Atlanta goes to the pros for answers!
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