Bali travel scam warning

Consumer Protection has warned of a travel scam in which people have paid for flights or accommodation, only to find they have not been booked with the airline or hotel.

Acting commissioner for consumer protection Gary Newcombe said the travel business involved was Bali Indulgence, run by Australian woman Chivonne Bettes.

Mr Newcombe said while a small number of phone inquiries had been received by Consumer Protection in recent days, monitoring of social media and other websites indicated a large number of affected consumers.

“We understand people who have used Bali Indulgence have been turning up at the airport to find they have no valid ticket for the flight, arriving in Bali to discover the hotel has no record or their booking or discovering the lack of bookings prior to travel,” he said.

Mr Newcombe urged Western Australian consumers in this situation to contact Consumer Protection on 1300 304 054 or email consumer@commerce.wa.gov.au.

“Anyone who has booked with Bali Indulgence or ‘ultimate indulgence specialist’ Chivonne Betts and is yet to travel should confirm their bookings directly with the airline and/or the accommodation provider,” he said.

“Consumers who have made a booking using a credit card and not received what they paid for should seek a transaction reversal from their card provider.
“Unfortunately, those who have paid by direct bank transfer may not be able to access redress in this way, which serves as a reminder not to pay for travel services in this way.”