How to avoid being scammed
It was like FOMO catnip: an island paradise, beloved musical headliners, private jet transport and luxurious villa accommodation, supermodels frolicking with swimming pigs on social media. But, as we have been reminded by two recent documentaries about Fyre Festival, sometimes a little scepticism is in order.
While it is easy to look back and see all the red flags, the truth is, questionable travel deals and even travel hoaxes happen all the time — and they do not always make headlines.
To avoid getting burned, experts share some steps consumers can take.
Do your research
If a company has been around for a while, do a quick search on it to check for any complaints.
Peter John, author of the book Around the World in 80 Scams: An Essential Travel Guide, suggests adding the word “scam” to your Google search. “If you can find the name of the website linked to the word ‘scam’ online, it may be a scam itself,” says John.
If a “deal” comes to you, put your guard up
If you are being solicited for some kind of special, whether it is a vacation package or a timeshare, be careful, says Mamie Kresses, senior attorney for the US Federal Trade Commission.
Find out the name of the company behind the deal and make sure it is a reputable business.
And, when you visit a website, make sure it is the brand you think it is — as “some unscrupulous businesses may make their websites look like a name brand to garner your attention”.
Always pay with a credit card
If a travel purchase turns out to be fraudulent, your credit card may be able to offer a layer of protection, says Kresses. She adds that you should not share your credit card information until you are certain of what you are getting and you have decided you want to make the purchase.
A picture is worth 1000 scams
Do not automatically trust that a photo of a stunning condo on a sugar-sand beach, or an image of a booze cruise on which young and beautiful people are having the time of their lives is legitimate. Katherine Hutt, national spokeswoman for the Better Business Bureau in Virginia, suggests doing a reverse-image search on Google before buying anything online.
Make sure there is a phone number to call
If something goes awry in your plans, you will want to have a human you can talk to. Additionally, if you are unsure about something, find a way to verify the deal before booking. That might mean calling the venue where a festival is scheduled, or checking with an airline or hotel that is mentioned in a travel deal.
Trust your instinct
“If there are any red flags at all, just back off,” says Hutt. Be especially aware of any phrases that make you feel like you need to act quickly, like “limited time offer”, “the deadline’s approaching”, “two-for-one deal”.
Be prepared to make a stink if it all goes south
If you cannot get the response you want from a customer service representative, John suggests contacting the company through social media or going to the media. By making your experience part of the public record, you might also be able to help someone else avoid getting bamboozled.
If it looks too good to be true, look a little deeper, writes Kate Silver