Important Links

Traditional travel agents are not the only critics of card mills. The legal profession, consumer protection agencies and journalists have written extensively on the topic. Below you will find links to some other resources and commentary on card mills. If you are approached by anyone offering to make you a travel agent for a fee and promising travel benefits, use these links to slow down and evaluate the sales hype and to rationally consider the investment.

Card mills take ‘agents’ for a ride — Chicago Tribune
The pitch is seductive and sophisticated. Qualify for deeply discounted travel. Earn commissions on your own travel expenditures and on that of your friends and family. Build your own travel business with income from others you bring into the fold. Deduct your travel spending from your taxes. Do all of this for less than $500 up front and $50 per month…
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Phony Travel Agents — By Arthur Frommer on Frommers.com
So don’t be a sucker. Don't pay out big sums to obtain a card stating that you are a travel agent. The only person benefiting from such cards is the person selling them…
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Does an ID Card Make You a Travel Agent? — Better Business Bureau
The Better Business Bureau and the American Society of Travel Agents warn consumers not to be misled by travel card “mills” and other questionable discount travel service operations…
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INSTANT TRAVEL AGENTS — By Judge Thomas A. Dickerson.
Consumers are at risk from the unprofessionalism of instant travel agents. It is analogous to persons being able to practice medicine or law after purchasing a professional license for $485.00. The proliferation of instant travel agents means that consumers may be dealing with poorly trained and unprofessional travel agents…
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Use the links above to review information to evaluate whether a travel business opportunity you are considering is a legitimate company. Also, be sure to download this publication by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) entitled “Travel Industry Card Mills: What Consumers and Consumer Protection Agencies Should Know About Travel Industry Card Mills”