Fraud Alert: Consumer Protection BC

Consumer Protection BC has received information about a potential scam that may impact you.

Recently Consumer Protection BC got a call from one of our travel licensees who experienced what is called an “overpayment scam”.  As a travel wholesaler, they received an email request to book a package valued at a certain amount.  It was paid for by a bank draft for more than three times the price.  The "consumer" then emailed the agency looking for a refund for the difference but the original bank draft was found to be fake.  Apparently a few of our other licensed travel wholesalers have also almost fallen for this scam.  The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has a description of an overpayment scam on their website, which includes tips on how to protect yourself. 

Here are a couple tips to identify and avoid an overpayment scam:

• Never accept a cheque or bank draft for more than your selling price;
• Never agree to wire back funds to a buyer.

We hope this information is helpful!
Consumer Protection BC

For more information for businesses and consumers about the travel industry, please visit www.travelrightsbca.ca.