Your budget may not allow for a get-a-way, which is why a call or mailer offering a free vacation, cruise or rental seems appealing.
The North Carolina Attorney General's Office warns, if you're asked to share personal/financial info or pay fees to get the freebie-- it's a SCAM!
A good rule to follow no matter how good the deal sounds, is to Google the business and owners online and see if there are reviews on the company and make a call to the Better Business Bureau.
ALWAYS make your travel reservations with a credit card-- not a debit you use as credit. And no cash. This way, if you need to dispute the transaction, get a refund or the company goes out of business, you can get your money back
If you're renting a beach or mountain house in NC, you're protected by the Vacation Rental Act. It requires your landlord to specify your rights and obligations and their obligations too, including all price details and security deposit and fees.
All landlords are required to offer you travel insurance in case you have to leave due to a mandatory evacuation. If they don't, you could be compensated.
If you have a complaint about your travel experience or think you may have been the victim of a travel scam, file a consumer complaint with our office’s Consumer Protection Division at www.ncdoj.gov/complaint or 1-877-5-NO-SCAM.