Don’t let a scam spoil your vacation
Cruises top the list of dream vacation getaways for many families. Unfortunately, fraudsters and thieves view cruises in a different light. They’ll scam you with fake bookings before you even set foot on a ship, after you’re aboard, or during some exotic port-of-call excursion.
The hook. It may start with an e-mail or phone call offering a “free” or deeply discounted cruise. Bogus travel agencies have made tens of thousands of dollars from gullible would-be travelers without ever contacting a cruise line. Unfortunately, some people respond to these solicitations, book the cruise, pay a down payment, then discover they owe port fees, fuel charges, registration fees, service fees, or anything else the fraudster can think up. In some cases, con artists use the free cruise ploy to entice you into divulging sensitive personal information as a way to steal your identity.
Your defense. How can you defend against these schemes? First, remember that offers received via unsolicited e-mails and phone calls are more likely to be fraudulent. Second, never – never – give personal information, such as bank account or credit card information, to a business or person you don’t know to be genuine. Third, get details in writing before you buy. Finally, don’t succumb to high-pressure sales pitches. Take your time. If the person on the other end of the line refuses to provide detailed answers to your legitimate questions, hang up.
On board. Even after booking a cruise with a legitimate company and boarding the ship, you can become a victim. Modern cruise ships are like small cities with many of the same pleasures and hazards. So be sure to lock valuables in your cabin’s safe. Make copies of credit card notification numbers, passports, driver’s licenses, and other valuable documents. Leave one set of copies at home, keep another set with you (packed separately from the originals), and place another set in the cabin safe.
When going ashore – which, experts say, is where most petty theft occurs – remain on the alert. Don’t display expensive jewelry; it’s an invitation to pickpockets. Carry handbags in front of you and use an under-clothing money belt. Stay in organized groups, stick to public areas, and use shore transportation and tours approved by the cruise line.
These days, taking a cruise can be a fun and reasonably priced vacation. A little common sense can keep a swindler from turning it into a nightmare.
About Engelman Accountancy Corporation
Engelman Accountancy Corporation is San Mateo, CPA firm specializing in multi-disciplined tax and financial advice and accounting services to a diverse range of clients. Services include providing tax strategies, planning and tax return preparation for individuals and families, small business accounting and strategic planning and business valuation for small businesses and forensic accounting, litigation support and joint accounting by our highly trained professional advisers.