Fax Fraud

Every office with a fax machine has received one. An incredible low-priced vacation offer at some exotic location that comes over the fax machine under the heading "Interoffice Memorandum".

Each "Interoffice Memorandum" may lead employees to believe that it is a company sponsored offer, when in fact it is not. These offers usually originate with out-of-state firms that specialize in offering travel packages. The packages are specifically designed to mislead recipients into believing that their employers are sponsoring the promotion.

In addition, these faxes may not be the great deal they represent themselves to be. While seemingly cheap, the travel packages offered may fail to cover basic expenses such as transportation to and from destinations, meals, certain accommodations, and taxes- these additional costs may obviously make the deal less worthwhile.

Reservation and cancellation requirements may also be restrictive. If you are considering the purchase of a travel package, request information about all accommodations, any costs not covered by the package, and reservation and cancellation policies before buying.

Also, be aware that travel packages might require you to travel during restrictive times and stay in accommodations where quality and location may not match those advertised. The travel company may also reserve the right to change accommodations without consulting the consumers.

If you have any questions about a travel fax, call the number listed on the fax and obtain the company's name and address. Then call your local Better Business Bureau. They will help you get in touch with the BBB serving that region of the country so that you can get a reliability report on the company advertising the vacation.