Online shopping has been a boon to consumers looking for lower prices, but there are some things you're still better off buying in person.

One of them is a document many people need when traveling to a foreign country: an international driving permit (IDP).

Many foreign governments require visiting drivers to have an IDP in addition to a regular driver's license. The IDP can help if you need to deal with law enforcement in a foreign country.

Dave Overstreet of AAA Washington says an IDP is basically a translation of your American drivers license. It identifies you as property licensed to drive.

"Because if you're stopped, they're recognized by the police and it may help you in terms of avoiding delays or, in some cases, even legal problems," Overstreet said.

To get an IDP, you need to fill out an application, send in a copy of your current driver's license, and include two passport photos. The permits cost just $15 at any AAA store.

Some AAA offices will even take your passport photo on the spot.

But con artists are selling bogus IDPs online.

There are a number of web sites that look legit, but AAA says investigations have determined that most are scams, and in some cases the scammers are charging hundreds of dollars.

I found some sites charging as much as $150 for long-term permits and renewals, even though no such thing exists.

"If you provide, send money to them, you're gonna get something that's not recognized by law enforcement in a foreign country and so basically you've wasted your money," Overstreet said.

According to the U.S. State Department, there are only two authorized distributors of international driving permits: AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance.

The permits are good for only one year, and they are not renewable. So stay away from sites claiming to sell IDPs -- contact your local AAA office instead.

If you buy from one of the scammers, they're not just getting your money -- they're also getting access to your personal information, picture and your signature.

For More Information:

http://www.aaawa.com/travel/idp/