Public education must be a major component of any effort to curb Internet fraud. Consumers need to know how to check out the offers they see and the companies that make them. They need to learn how to identify the warning signs of fraud in this new medium, how to protect their privacy and how to pay safely. They need to know that legitimate travel agents, such as ASTA members, abide by strict codes of ethics and will never sell such things as travel vouchers or use the hard sell tactics commonly seen in scams. Industry groups need to make sure that consumers are aware of these standards.
Education is the key to protection.
The National Consumers League has taken a leading role in educating the public about Internet fraud. The website also has articles warning consumers about new trends, common scams and recent government enforcement actions. Plus consumers can use our links to go directly to other useful resources, such as the Federal Trade Commission or the BBBOnLine program. I would like to thank the American Society of Travel Agents and Stan Bosco for inviting me to speak at this conference.