Whether you’re wanting to travel this summer or are already planning a winter getaway, be aware that scammers are lurking all around the internet in hopes to catch you in their traps. When it comes to travel scams, here’s what to watch out for.
The most common travel scams occur on fake websites that advertise free or cheap travel deals. “Free” is one of scammers favorite words. As you search online, assume nothing is ever truly free. When scams offer a “free” vacation, the catch is you will have to pay fees or taxes to get it. Scammy sites also advertise luxury vacation packages at extremely reduced prices. If it seems too good to be true, it is
As you sift through your inbox, be careful with vacation-related emails. Scammers send phishing emails disguised as hotels, airlines, or agents. Even if it looks like a name you recognize, look at the sender name, email address, URLS, and other details carefully before interacting with an email.
To avoid online travel scams:
- Do your research. Search the name of the travel site–what pops up? Add in other keywords to your search like “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.” Always ask people you trust for recommendations and referrals.
- Don’t interact with unexpected emails or texts. Even if a travel deal looks legitimate, review the details carefully before you click. A great alternative is to check the real company’s website directly to see if the deal is real. Just type in the URL yourself; don’t click the link.
- Be mindful of payment methods. If a travel site is requesting payment via wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency: don’t fall for it. Any travel site that demands you pay in one of these ways is a sign of a scam.
If you spot an online travel scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Share this Fraud Friday article with someone you know who is planning a vacation and stay tuned for more fraud-fighting tips from Guthrie County State Bank!