Division of Legal Services
	Kevin Potter, Administrator • Biography
	◊ Civil Litigation and Employment Unit ◊ Criminal Appeals ◊ Criminal Litigation, Antitrust, Consumer Protection, & Public Integrity ◊ Environmental Protection ◊ Medicaid Fraud Control ◊ State Programs, Administration & Revenue

Scams & Schemes: Spring Break Scams

Many Wisconsin college students see Spring Break as the only chance to escape long, cold winters in favor of a sunny beach in Florida, Texas, Mexico or the Caribbean. When you combine the high interest and hopes for a vacation away from the rigors of exams, deadlines and wind-chills with the fact that most students have limited budgets and little experience in buying travel packages, it is easy to see why problems creep up.

The Attorney General offers the following advice to college students and their parents when planning a getaway: if a price sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Here are some tips so you can protect yourself from a disappointing vacation:

• Check the reputation of any travel service you use, especially travel clubs offering discounts in exchange for an annual fee. Request copies of the brochures and contracts before buying your ticket. Don't rely on verbal promises. Find out about cancellation policies and never sign contracts that have blanks in them.
• If you get a postcard, letter, phone call or e-mail message claiming you've won a free trip or can get big discounts on hotels and airfares, don't believe them. These offers usually don't disclose the hidden fees involved, such as deposits and taxes. These extra fees can really add to the price of a trip.
• Don't feel pressured by requests for an immediate decision or a statement that the offer is only good "if you act now." Don't deal with companies that request payment in advance or that don't have escrow accounts to hold your deposit.
• Avoid booking a trip with a company that sells directly through student representatives, rather than a reputable travel agent. Make sure your trip has a guaranteed departure date and a guaranteed price. Consult with a local travel agent. A reputable travel professional can help you evaluate travel offers.
• Request all of the trip details in writing --- including total cost (taxes, fees and charges), any restrictions, cancellation penalties and the exact names of airlines and hotels.

This page created by the Department of Justice. All text, images or associated items are property of the Department of Justice, and may only be reproduced with the consent of the Department of Justice.
DOJ Home | Privacy Policy | Contact DOJ