Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) – The Easter holidays are just around the corner, and for this reason, the Federal Consumer Attorney’s Office ( Profeco ) issued an alert for those looking for offers and cheap rates for Puerto Vallarta vacations through the internet and social networks.
The alert was issued because the Attorney General’s Office has detected a growing number of false companies that sell hotel packages in Puerto Vallarta, along with other popular destinations in Mexico.
The agency indicated that given the growing volume of sales of tourist packages via the internet and social networks, it is necessary to anticipate the information, and verify with other companies comparative rates and services so as not to be scammed by the too-good-to-be-true sales pitch that takes advantage of the goodwill of people looking for an opportunity to save on a trip to a tourist destination.
Profeco called on the general public to know in detail aspects of the company that offers the packages so that if a refund is needed or you do not agree with the rates, you can claim refunds for advance payments or payments made to these companies.
Here are some tips to avoid travel scams on Facebook:
- Verify the legitimacy of the company: Before booking a trip or tour, research the company and check its reputation. Look for reviews and ratings from previous customers and verify that the company is registered and accredited.
- Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true: If the offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often lure victims with promises of incredible discounts, free trips, and other perks.
- Check the URL: Before entering any personal or financial information, make sure that the URL of the website is correct and secure. Look for “https://” instead of “http://” and check for a padlock symbol in the address bar.
- Use secure payment methods: Avoid paying by wire transfer or cash, as these payment methods are not traceable and can be difficult to recover if something goes wrong. Instead, use a credit card or a reputable payment platform like PayPal.
- Don’t give out personal information: Be wary of any requests for personal information, such as your passport number, social security number, or bank account information. Legitimate travel companies do not need this information to book a trip or tour.
- Trust your instincts: If something seems off, don’t take the risk. Scammers are skilled at creating convincing websites and social media profiles, but if your gut tells you something is wrong, it’s better to err on the side of caution.
