CUT YOUR RISK IN ONLINE AUCTIONS

Smart travelers can get deals. They can also get burned.

• Before you bid, read the fine print on the site. All of it. In addition to the bid itself, what's the commission fee, other fees, taxes, blackout days and rules about refunds or changes?

• Compare the auction deal with what you could get directly.

• If the auction does not reveal the name of the company offering the trip, think twice.

• Use Pay Pal or a credit card. Never wire money to anyone.

• Remember that travel auction sites are businesses, not baby-sitters. You have to take care of details -- like, do you need a passport for this trip? One common disaster for buyers of cruises is being turned away at boarding because they didn't bring proper ID.

• Before bidding, check www.lookstoogoodtobetrue.com and read the section on online auctions.

• If you take the trip or vacation and it does not match what you were promised, complain.

Sources: Internet Crime Complaint Center; eBay; U.S. Federal Trade Commission.