Too Good to Be True? Probably.

Picture this: you're strolling through the mall when a cheerful attendant at a kiosk offers you the chance to win a free vacation to the Bahamas. All you have to do is fill out a slip. Harmless, right? But what if you "win"? Suddenly, you’re not just dreaming about white sand beaches—you’re also staring down a pile of unexpected fees.

This is exactly what happened to David, who recently reached out to consumer investigator Dale Cardwell with a simple question: What’s the catch with these vacation giveaways?

As it turns out, the catch is bigger than most people expect—and it can cost you a whole lot more than you bargained for.

 

You Always Win… But Not in a Good Way

The truth behind many of these sweepstakes is this: almost everyone who enters "wins." Why? Because the goal isn’t to reward a lucky few—it’s to pull as many people as possible into a cleverly disguised sales funnel.

Once you’re notified you’ve won, the excitement quickly fades as the fine print kicks in. That “free” vacation? It often excludes flights, meals, and resort fees. The FTC has reported that victims of these types of scams suffer an average loss of $907 per person—hardly a bargain getaway.

Some promotions go even further by trying to upsell you on travel insurance, excursions, or timeshare presentations once they’ve got your attention. The vacation may be real, but the “free” part is pure fantasy.

 

 

The Fine Print Tells All—If You Read It

Most of these sweepstakes do disclose the costs... technically. But the language is buried in the fine print on entry slips or hidden behind vague phrases like “transportation and fees not included.”

It’s a tactic known as a bait-and-switch—you’re lured in with a glamorous offer, only to find yourself paying for the very thing that was supposed to be free.

And it’s not just about the money. Some of these deals involve aggressive sales tactics, limited travel dates, or accommodations far below the quality you'd expect from a tropical vacation.

So, what can you do to avoid getting burned?

 

Here’s How to Spot and Stop the Scam

If you’re ever tempted by a mall kiosk or online ad offering a luxury vacation with no strings attached, keep these red flags in mind:

  • Everyone’s a winner – If the company doesn’t limit prizes or announce odds, it’s likely a mass marketing ploy.
  • Vague costs – Watch out for entries that say “fees not included” without explaining what those fees are.
  • Pressure to act quickly – Scammers love to rush you so you don’t have time to think or read the fine print.
  • No clear sponsor – Legitimate sweepstakes will list a company name, contact information, and detailed terms.

Instead of gambling on gimmicks, book your dream vacation through a reputable travel agency or travel deal aggregator. You'll have more control, clearer costs, and far fewer headaches.

And if you’re ever unsure about an offer, remember this simple rule: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

 

Final Thought: Don’t Let Scammers Pack Your Bags

There’s nothing wrong with dreaming of warm beaches and tropical drinks. But a truly relaxing getaway shouldn’t begin with deception and end with a surprise charge on your credit card.

Stay skeptical, read the fine print, and trust your gut.

If you’ve encountered a travel-related scam or questionable offer, share your experience in the comments or submit it to TrustDALE.

Stay smart, stay safe, and don’t let scammers vacation on your dime.