Much like drug resistant viruses today s travel scams are more resistant to consumer or governmental action. Although the FTC and the State of California were successful in forcing World Class Network, a travel agent card mill, to promise substantial refunds, this effort may lead to its demise. Travel scam operators can easily close down, transform themselves into even more resistant operations and move to another state. Professional Travel Agents Of equal concern to consumers is the ongoing dilution of travel agent professionalism. Some suppliers such as hotels and rental car companies offer substantial discounts to consumers possessing travel agent ID cards.
Consumers are at risk.
Consumers may rely upon pseudo travel agents assuming, incorrectly, that they have the professional expertise and competence to make error free bookings and render accurate information. Professional travel agents are at risk from competitors who have little, if any, training or experience and whose incompetence can and will hurt their professional reputation. The dilution of travel agent professionalism can be attributed to, at least, two factors. Second , ASTA and other travel agent trade associations have vigorously opposed any form of meaningful licensing in New York State and elsewhere. Truth In Travel Act is the weakest and the most illusory in terms of consumer protection.