Beware of spring break travel scams

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Sunshine, sunburn and the seashore may be part of spring break but not everyone has plans to get out of town.

For those looking for a last-minute deal, it will come with a price tag.

Suzanne DeCellis, Vice President of AAA Travel explains, "You will probably be paying a premium especially for air because you know air for spring break was booked 6 to 9 months ago."

Beware of travel scams such as really low or discounted vacation packages. Make sure you understand the fine print.

State Attorney General Greg Zoeller is also warning Hoosiers to be cautious of deals that sound too good to be true like free trips.

The AG's office is in a legal battle with Midwest Direct, a wholesale buying service based out of Fort Wayne.

Zoeller's office received dozens of complaints that Midwest Direct mailed promotional notices to Hoosiers asking them to attend a presentation in order to claim a prize of a vacation package or other travel arrangements.

Court documents site at least seven people attended a presentation and purchased a "membership" in the direct buying service.

"You need to know who you're sending your money to, who you're giving your credit card to and who you're dealing with. Anyone can look "big" on a Website. Anyone can claim to be the "nation's best bargain. Anyone can make those claims and still get by with it," said DeCellis

The attorney general wants spring breakers to keep in mind several travel tips:

Scammers are known to prey on tourists and college students are no exception.

Only use one credit card. This reduces a person’s risk of identity theft.

Out of the country travelers should keep their passport’s with them at all times.