Issue Date:  -  Thursday, 12 October 2000

Cheap holiday on credit card warning

The Ministry of Fair Trading today issued a warning to consumers to be wary of giving their credit card details over the telephone if they receive unsolicited telephone calls from overseas offering cheap holidays in the United States and the Caribbean.

The warning came in response to a number of inquiries received by the Ministry’s Call Centre from concerned consumers who had been contacted by an organisation based in Florida in the United States offering discount holiday packages.

"Although the Ministry has received no formal complaints at this stage, I am concerned about reports from consumers who claim to have been pressured into making immediate payment by credit card and been ridiculed or hung up on when they have refused to disclose their credit card details," Fair Trading Commissioner Patrick Walker said.

"The integrity of any organisation that treats consumers in this way must certainly be questioned if they are engaging in such conduct.

"Consumers must exercise caution in any transaction where immediate payment is required and should never feel pressured to disclose their credit card details," Mr Walker said.

Consumers planning a holiday should contact a travel agent for advice on packages and prices.

"All travel agents in Western Australia are required to be licensed and belong to the Travel Compensation Fund. The Fund protects against loss of monies by an agent however this protection is only available to consumers who deal with licensed travel agents," Mr Walker said.