If you still think the deal s legit, at the very least pay with a credit card. The Fair Credit Billing Act allows customers to contest any shady dealings. However, there is a time limit to dispute a charge, usually 60 days. That s why if the travel company refuses to send the itinerary until after 60 days, don t do it. In 1999 alone, the FTC charged 25 companies selling these shady deals and 47 states filed suits against these companies.
New technologies tend to keep older scams alive and well.
Instead of getting people to enter drawings, now they are using e-mail, faxes, and Web sites to attract people. Katz says it s unlikely you ll get your money back. Most of these businesses disappear, go out of business or file for bankruptcy. But it s worth a try. What to Do Stop paying.