Search

Tour Scam?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 8th, 2015 | 10:19 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Tour Scam?

Has anyone had bad experience with company named Portugal Trials?
I am about 6 weeks from flying out to Lisbon, Portugal and have been communicating via e-mail with a rep. from the company. They want 100% payment, either PayPal or direct wire but do not accept any credit cards as they state more secure that way.
They have a Facebook page (for what that's worth) and of course their own web site.
You just hear so much about scams these days so trying to research if they are legit or not.
billybap is offline  
Old Mar 8th, 2015 | 10:36 AM
  #2  
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 18,251
Likes: 22
Portugal Trials or Porrtugal Trails?
HappyTrvlr is offline  
Old Mar 8th, 2015 | 05:28 PM
  #3  
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 8,827
Likes: 0
You're buying an itinerary. What are you looking for?

http://www.portugaltrails.com/en/aboutUs.php?s=2
Robert2533 is offline  
Old Mar 9th, 2015 | 01:44 AM
  #4  
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,214
Likes: 0
Do you think it is fair to unfoundedly accuse in public a company you don't know, one that you have never done business with, of scamming?
If I was them I would not want to do business with you. (And no, I am not related to them in any way.)
quokka is offline  
Old Mar 9th, 2015 | 01:56 AM
  #5  
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 6,374
Likes: 0
I've booked guides on a few occasions with 100% payment in advance through Paypal. This is not unusual.
Tulips is offline  
Old Mar 9th, 2015 | 02:29 AM
  #6  
10 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,162
Likes: 2
I don't think the OP is trying to be unfair to this travel company. He's merely trying to find out if anyone has used them previously and that his money won't go missing.

They seem to have good reviews on Trip Advisor and also seem to been around for at least 6 years or more.They do advertise that they take Amex and Visa on their website, so not sure what the refusal to take CC's is about. Are they just trying to move you towards a non CC route so that they don't pay the CC company's charge?

I have a natural aversion to direct money transfer companies, as they are open to fraud and so often scam linked, but I'd guess Paypal should be OK and you can use your CC to fund the Paypal payment.
Rubicund is offline  
Old Mar 9th, 2015 | 03:02 AM
  #7  
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 12,050
Likes: 0
I know nothing about the company and am not doing any research about them, but if you do not feel confident, then it is good to research them for yourself.
Have your already booked with the company?
If so, how did you make your first payment?
Did you do research before booking with them?
How did you decided to go with them?
If you have not paid, then you still have options of not going with them.
Sassafrass is offline  
Old Mar 9th, 2015 | 03:51 AM
  #8  
 
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,531
Likes: 0
I think it's an excellent idea to use social media and travel forums to ask about possible scams in the travel industry. Makes a lot more sense to me than people asking "Should I go to Lisbon or Porto?"

I also think it is doing good research to look for people with previous direct experience of this company and exchange questions and answers with other people about how best to learn more.
sandralist is offline  
Old Mar 9th, 2015 | 05:50 AM
  #9  
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,556
Likes: 0
"They want 100% payment, either PayPal or direct wire but do not accept any credit cards as they state more secure that way."

The need to make a full payment a few weeks before the tour starts is a typical tour company requirement and hence not an unsual request. Paying by PayPal is a sensible tour company procedure as it is far more secure than emailing your credit card details.
worldinabag is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mishka1964
Europe
10
Jan 8th, 2022 07:39 PM
MichaelLoughman
Europe
15
Nov 8th, 2012 06:03 AM
confused_novice
Europe
36
Jun 5th, 2010 01:00 PM
jill
Europe
5
Nov 18th, 2002 02:07 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement -