However, amidst the excitement of planning a much-anticipated getaway, travelers must remain vigilant against the growing threat of online scams. With online bookings more popular than ever, cybercriminals have seized the chance to exploit eager travelers. From fake accommodation listings to fraudulent travel agents, the number of travel-related scams has surged.
Related: These Financial Scams Are Specifically Targeting Older Adults
The 'revenge travel' trend that emerged post-COVID has only fueled the fire, with scammers exploiting people's desires to travel and explore new destinations. As a result, payment fraud in the online travel and lodging industry has seen a significant spike, doubling from the third quarter of 2023 to the second quarter of 2024.
As booking scams evolve, knowing the warning signs can save you from losing money, time, and peace of mind. Here are six essential tips to help you avoid falling prey to these common travel scams when planning your next trip.
Here's a scam tip that's as old as the internet itself: if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers love to tempt travelers with ridiculously low prices, especially when travel costs are through the roof. But be realistic - those "amazing deals" are often just a ploy to get your money.
The same goes for in-person scams. Don't fall for a cheap ride from the airport if it's not with a licensed driver or a reputable ride-sharing service. And when you're out and about, keep your wits about you. If someone's being overly friendly or flirtatious, they might have an ulterior motive. Use your common sense and don't let your guard down too quickly.
When booking your trip online, stick to the big players. Websites like Expedia, Booking.com, and Airbnb have your back when it comes to keeping your personal and financial info safe. They've also got customer support teams ready to help if anything goes wrong.
On the other hand, be wary of unknown or unverified websites that might not have the same security measures in place. And definitely steer clear of booking holidays from places like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist - it's just not worth the risk.
Don't trust a website that looks sloppy or has weird mistakes. If the URL is weird or has typos, it's probably a scam. And if the website itself has poor image quality or looks like a rookie designed it, don't enter any sensitive info. Scammers often throw up fake websites that look legit at first glance, but have tiny errors that give them away. Always go to the website's official "Contact Us" page if you need help - don't trust phone numbers you find online.
As soon as you start researching your next holiday, you'll probably start seeing related ads pop up online. But be careful - some of these ads might be scams. They can even send you to fake websites that look like real booking engines.
To stay safe, always check if the company being advertised is legit. You can also use a VPN to encrypt your data. And if you're using security software, make sure your browser is compatible with it.
Related: 9 Facebook Marketplace Scams You Should be Wary Of
If a travel provider is pushing you to share sensitive info, like credit card numbers or personal data, that's a major red flag. Don't give out this info unless you're absolutely sure the website, app, or communication is legit.
Scammers can use this info to steal your identity or drain your bank account. And when you're traveling, be careful about sharing too much with people you meet. It's okay to be friendly, but don't give away too much about yourself. Keep your accommodations and itinerary to yourself, and try to stick with your group.
Last-minute deals might be super tempting, but they can also be a big ol' red flag for scams. Scammers use the urgency of a limited-time offer to get you to make a quick decision without doing your research.
Related: How to Recognize and Deal With Money Fraud
If you see a deal that seems too good to be true, take a step back and do some research. Check if the listing and booking platform are legit, and don't let the fear of missing out get the best of you. If you're traveling in two weeks or less, be extra cautious - legit deals rarely pop up at the last minute.
