01.13.25 Booking Spring & Summer Travel / Amazon Brushing Scams
Jan 13, 2025
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January is prime time for snagging travel deals for spring and summer. Clark dives into the hidden costs lurking in travel bookings and offers tips for savvy planning. He also sheds light on the alarming Amazon brushing scam, where unsolicited packages skew reviews. Listeners learn to be wary of billing discrepancies and the importance of keeping accurate vehicle sale records. Plus, valuable insights into executive deferred compensation accounts make this an enlightening catch for travelers and financial planners alike!
35:56
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Quick takeaways
January offers significant travel discounts but consumers must be vigilant about hidden fees that can inflate final costs.
Amazon brushing scams involve unsolicited packages intended to manipulate product ratings, misleading consumers and facilitating fraudulent activities.
Deep dives
Travel Savings in January
January is recognized as a prime month for travel bargains, as consumers often experience financial constraints following the holiday season. Airlines and cruise lines offer significant discounts during this period, making it an ideal time for those with the means to travel. However, travelers should be cautious of hidden fees that airlines often impose, following pricing strategies learned from budget carriers. It is crucial for travelers to carefully review all costs associated with their bookings, as additional fees can substantially inflate the total price of travel beyond the initial fare advertised.
Understanding Car Rentals in Europe
When renting a car in Europe, travelers should be aware that the initial quoted rental price may not reflect the final cost due to various add-on fees. Costs for rental cars can often exceed double the original quote when all mandatory and optional fees are considered. Moreover, the availability of electric vehicles poses a challenge for travelers in certain locations, as charging infrastructure can be lacking in rural areas. As such, it is often advisable to rent traditional gas vehicles instead and actively re-shop rental rates as the travel date approaches to secure the best deal.
The Risks of Amazon Brushing
Amazon brushing is a prevalent practice where unscrupulous sellers send unsolicited packages to consumers with the intention of manipulating product ratings on the platform. This practice not only misleads consumers into believing they are dealing with reputable sellers but also facilitates fraudulent activities, as sellers utilize fake reviews to enhance their product visibility. The situation escalates when these sellers shift their focus from cheap items to more expensive products, potentially defrauding consumers. Awareness of this scam is crucial for buyers to avoid being drawn into purchasing from untrustworthy sellers.
January is not only a bargain month to travel, but also brings deals for spring and summer travel. But when shopping travel options, things aren’t always as they appear. Clark tells you what to look out for when booking flights, cruises, hotels and car rentals Also - do you know what an Amazon “brushing” scam is? Clark explains this “gift that you don’t want.”