Think twice before taking up that cheap offer for a fabulous vacation. You could find yourself wanting to run away from a scam.
The prize promotions arrive via phone messages, letters and e-mails, with the warning that you must act “now.” Although the offers say you have been “specially selected” for this opportunity, the fact is most unsolicited promotions target thousands of recipients at a time.
Always read the fine print and don’t be afraid to ask specific questions, as with most offers that sound too good to be true. A $50 plane ticket to Hawaii could come with the caveat that the vacationer stay at a $500-a-night hotel.
Find out if you have to commit to anything else. Do you have to join a vacation club? Attend a seminar? Will any itinerary changes or upgrades require an additional fee? Also ask if taking up the offer subjects you to future solicitations.
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Lorene Yue is a Your Money staff writer.
