Tips to avoid summer vacation scams

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Summertime brings a spike in vacation scams. 

According to the Kansas Attorney General, this is the time of year when scammers target vacationers with emails, faxes and phone calls offering incredible deals that, in the end, do not measure up.

“Always be very skeptical,” said Attorney General Derek Schmidt. 

The too-good-to-be-true deals often come with hidden fees that end up eating your savings.  

Last summer, Call For Action reported on a package vacation company that rented space in local hotels to give their sales pitch to metro consumers. Afterwards, many consumers who ended up spending thousands of dollars complained.

The company operated under several names like Paradise Escapes. The Johnson County District Attorney ordered the company to stop doing business. 

Schmidt said it is always best to avoid the high-pressured sales. Instead, try to do your own, careful research.  Compare prices and travel options through online travel websites.  

Also, work with a local and trusted travel agent.

"You go out and identify travel companies, other sales entities you want to do business with.  You reach out to them and control the transaction," Schmidt said. 

Another piece of advice: Beware of time shares. Many consumers complain after discovering hidden fees. 

Click here to read more about summer scams to avoid .