Consumer Tips

Olympics/Major Sporting Events - Accommodation and Tickets

Property Rentals During the Olympics and other major sporting events

Every year there is a multi-day major sporting event held throughout the world, be it the Winter or Summer Olympics, the World Cup of Soccer, or the Super Bowl.

BBB warns those that plan to attend these events to be careful and do their homework before booking vacation rentals.

Online classified advertisements have made it easier for people to find things like home rentals. However, the listings are not regulated or vetted, and prone to scams. People seeking accommodations should be wary if:


* The supplier requires a substantial deposit before handing over the keys or even showing the home. Don't pay any money before inspecting the home, inside and out. If you cannot travel early enough to inspect the property, ask for a contract outlining all terms, details and conditions.

* The supplier asks the renter to wire money through wire transfer services such as Western Union or MoneyGram. Money sent via wire transfer service is extremely difficult to retrieve. Once the scammers have picked it up; there is little recourse - if any - for getting the money back.

* The supplier is located elsewhere and prefers to communicate via email. For example, a scammer might say they have just been relocated out of the country. Don't believe them.

* The deal sounds too good to be true. Scammers will often list a rental for a very low price to lure victims. Find out how comparable listings are priced. If the rental comes in suspiciously low, walk away.


Another tip for consumers is to pay with a credit card if possible, as credit card purchases often offer the protection of a 'chargeback'. Consumers may be able to cancel or reverse a credit card transaction and its associated interest charges in cases where there is evidence that the goods and services purchased were not provided to the consumer.

If a consumer has suffered a loss and did book through a licensed B.C. travel agent or wholesaler, they can contact Consumer Protection BC at 1-888 564-9963 or info@consumerprotectionbc.ca.

For travel and accommodation disputes:

*If consumers purchased travel services through a licensed B.C. travel agent or wholesaler and did not receive the travel services they paid for, they can contact their insurance or credit card provider. If they are unsuccessful, they may be eligible for reimbursement from B.C.'s Travel Assurance Fund for consumers. See www.consumerprotectionbc.ca for information about the fund.

*Tourism BC has an information and reservation service that also deals with any disputes involving Tourism BC-Approved Accommodation.
See www.hellobc.com.
tel: 1-888 222-8402 and fax: 1-800 563-5306

Customer complaints may be over the phone, fax or mail. However, Tourism BC does not pursue complaints regarding refund issues.

*For any other potential complaints against a company, consumers can file a dispute with the Better Business Bureau at www.mbc.bbb.org.

*If you believe that you are a victim of fraud, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC)
1 (888) 495-8501
www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
info@antifraudcentre.ca


Tickets

If you are thinking of purchasing tickets to the Olympics or other major sporting events, make sure you use caution when buying tickets from non-official sources.

During past Olympic Games in Salt Lake City and Atlanta there were a significant number of complaints regarding ticket purchases. Often tickets were either fraudulent or the ticket seller could not meet the demand.

BBB suggests the following advice to avoid ticket mishaps:

* Buy tickets from authorized sources. Find out from the event organizer who authorized dealers are.

* Organizers may have "fan-to-fan" sales to provide a safe way to buy tickets posted by other fans.

* Avoid shopping for tickets through online classifieds. If you are shopping on sites like Craigslist or eBay there are no guarantees that the tickets you purchase will be legitimate or will ever even show up.

* If you're buying from a private party, verify that the tickets are real.

* Only buy tickets from someone you trust or from an authorized source. Buying hard tickets from someone you don't know carries a great risk - tickets may be counterfeit, but may also be authentic tickets that have either been claimed stolen or lost. Legitimate resellers should have purchased their tickets originally from an authorized source. Ask to see a receipt or paperwork showing where the tickets came from.

* If you choose to buy online, you could get ripped off. Many major ticket resellers may claim to have Olympic tickets, but they may not be able to meet the demand. If you go this route, do your research and choose major companies that have a lengthy business record -- and those that sell a broad range of tickets, not just tickets to the specific event you wish to attend.

* Beware of websites hastily manufactured just to sell event tickets. Check out company reports at www.mbc.bbb.org.

* Check the event schedule. Some ticket brokers have been know to sell tickets for events that don't even have tickets - for example, one ticket for a short track speed skating session includes up to three events, but some online brokers have been selling each event separately despite the fact that there is no such ticket.