Hi All:

I have received a most interesting inquiry from what looks like a legit travel agancy in Bali.  I want to establish the "scam-factor" of this exchange, and am not sure how to do it.  The websites given seem to be valid.  Any suggestions?  Is it possible to check an IATA number? I would appreciate feedback, I'm stumped and can usually spot a scam pretty easily ...  following is a portion of the last email:      -Debi

Yes, we are running an authorized and the most trustworthy travel &

guide agent at Denpasar, Bali Island, ID. Before I do the reservation

arrangements. Please answer our questions below;

- Do you have space availability for that dates? If not, please notify

that our clients vacation dates availability are flexible.

- For most Internet simply reservation may our clients provide you their

credit cards for the method of payment?

- Do I get a commission as referral fees for this guests information

from you? If yes, we propose you a little higher 12,5% commission on the

total amount of their stay.

- Reason of visit is pleasure, tourism and do social activities.

- Can maid, cleaning and catering service be booked with you as

additional services?

- If you could serve limousine airport-pick up service. Please let me

know the additional cost but it is fine when you could not serve

limousine airport-pick up service. Do you have a good advice for renting

a car?

- May I ask for references from your past renters I will forward to my

clients? This is just an optional request.

And our company always suggest our clients to pay 100% deposit in

advance (full payment) to any properties we are looking for, not just

30-50% payment in advance. So there's no need to balance the remainder

upon their arrival. We also explained them this would be

non-refundable funds when they'll make any cancellation for doing 100%

payment in advance.

I also have read an American traveling article and they gave me a good

advice like state below so I'm always informing this good advice to

all of our clients.

"Travel Tip: Be smart when you pay. Pay with credit cards when

possible. Cash, checks, PayPal and bank wire transfers are much more

difficult to recover. NEVER wire monies via Western Union, MoneyGram

or instant wire transfer services."

By the way, I always have bad phone connection when I tried to reach

you so I assumed electronic mail is best, fastest and cheap way to

make all communication around the world. In addition, we would like to

show you a travel itinerary provided by the airline, that our guest is

confirmed to travel on the dates requested.

So please recalculate the total payment with your best price include

tax, damage/security deposit & cleaning service also our 12,5%

commission will be. I hope you understand our integrity mission and

appreciate our intentions to do honorable and ethical business. Peace

be with you and your preciousness underlings.

Kindest Regards,

Ms. XXXXX

PT. Sekar Acala Jagadhita

Ting South East Asian Network Tours & Travel Agency

Asia Transpacific Journeys

Jl. Bintang Buana 12

Bhaktiseraga Barat Singaraja

Bali - Indonesia

Phone: +62-81804-255770

Website: www.asita.org

             www.asiatranspacific.com

IATA  - International Air Transport Association No. 021 5921.

ASITA - Association of Indonesia Tours & Travel Agencies No.

07/XI/DPP/82.

-Vacation Rentals Community Members

-Better Business Bureau Gold Star Award Members

-Travel Agency specializing in vacation rentals and villa

-Association of Vacation Home Rental Managers-Travel Agent (VRMA)

"Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes

on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living." -- Miriam Beard