Have you ever been tempted to buy a bargain-priced travel package over the telephone? Be careful. You may get more than you bargained for. While some travel opportunities sold over the phone or offered through the mail are legitimate, many are scams that defraud consumers out of millions of dollars each month.

The scam starts when you receive a postcard or certificate that says: "Pack your bags! This certifies that you'll receive a world class Florida/Caribbean vacation offer for you and a friend."

The word "offer" often is a clue to hidden charges. The postcard or certificate tells you to call a phone number — usually toll-free — for details about the trip. When you call, you're given a sales pitch for a supposedly luxurious trip — one that you could pay dearly for.

The salesperson may ask for your credit card number to bill your account for the travel package. Once you pay, you receive the "package," which usually includes instructions for making trip reservation requests. Your request often must be accompanied by yet another fee. In addition, many offers require you to pay port charges, hotel taxes, and service fees.

See a pattern developing? New charges are being added every step of the way. You may never get your "bargain" trip because your reservations may not be confirmed or you must comply with hard-to-meet hidden or expensive "conditions."

Telemarketing travel scams usually originate out of "boiler rooms." Skilled salespeople, often with years of experience selling dubious products and services over the phone, pitch travel packages that may sound legitimate, but often are not. These pitches usually include:

• Oral Misrepresentations. Particular schemes vary, but all fraudulent telemarketers promise you a "deal" they can't possibly deliver. Unfortunately, you won't know it until your money's gone.
• High Pressure/Time Pressure Tactics. Scam operators often say they need your commitment to buy immediately or that the offer won't be available much longer. They typically brush aside questions or concerns with vague answers or assurances.
• "Affordable" Offers. Unlike fraudulent telemarketers who try to persuade people to spend thousands of dollars on an investment scheme, fraudulent travel telemarketers usually pitch club membership or vacation offers in a lower price range. The offers sound reasonable and are designed to appeal to anyone who is looking for a get-away.
• Contradictory Follow-up Material. Some companies may agree to send you written confirmation of your deal. However, it usually bears little resemblance to the offer you accepted over the phone. The written materials often disclose additional terms, conditions, and costs.