Beware of scams to protect yourself on your adventures
After a long winter, it is the perfect time to travel. If you’re looking to book your dream vacation, don’t let scammers ruin things. They target your email, social media, or may even call and text with their “too good to be true” deals that are, in fact, too good to be true.
Pop-up ads: Hopefully, you know to avoid those pop-up ads for “free” vacations; remember, if you must pay anything (fees, taxes) it’s not free and many times they just want your personal information to steal your identity. A legitimate company won’t ask you to pay for a free prize.
Robocalls: While they may offer you a “discounted” price, if you didn’t give them written permission to contact you, that call is illegal and very likely a scam.
Vacation homes: Booking online is an easy and convenient way to compare prices and locations. Unfortunately, scammers are known to hijack real listings and advertise them as their own, double-booking properties or simply making up listings which may not be for rent or don’t even exist. Suddenly, you find yourself with no accommodations and your money is gone.
International travel documents: Sites that claim to help in securing an international travel visa, passport, or other documents are often copycats of the U.S. Department of State’s website. They charge high fees for services which are free on the government’s official website.
International driving permits (IDPs): Only the U.S. Department of State, the American Automobile Association (AAA), and the American Touring Alliance (AATA) are authorized to issue IDPs. Purchasing them from anywhere else could result in travel delays or legal problems.
Charter flights, packages:
While having your own private plane and tour operator may sound enticing, charter flights have different rules than commercial flights.
Before you sign on the dotted line, check with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Special Authorities Division to ensure the charter filing is approved. If not, stay away!
TIPS
• Pay by credit card: If payment is ONLY by wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency, it’s likely a scam since the money is untraceable and nearly impossible to get back once it’s gone.
• Recommendations: Talk to family, friends or trusted sources about vacation rentals, hotels, and travel packages.
• Travel apps: Search airfares and hotel rates, some provide fare alerts and real-time deals. But know whether you’re buying from the app company or the actual airline or resort. It can affect whether you can get a refund or travel points.
• Comparison websites, applications: Be aware comparison websites and applications can charge more than the airline for services like changing or canceling a flight. Also, confirm whether you’re buying a ticket or just making a reservation.
• Mandatory hotel “resort fees” and taxes: When researching, ensure all fees are disclosed. If you’re unsure about the total price, call the hotel and ask about a “resort fee” or any other mandatory charge. Also ask about taxes, which may be significant in many places.
• Travel insurance vs travel medical insurance: These days it’s wise to purchase travel insurance in case of delays or cancellations but it may not cover your valuables (phone, camera, etc.) or medical attention while traveling abroad. See what your homeowners and health insurance covers before you purchase. Please note: Medicare does NOT provide coverage outside the U.S.
Check the agency is licensed with the U.S. Travel Insurance Association ( www.ustia.org) and make a copy of your insurance card to take with you. For information on international travel, go to the U.S. Department of State: travel.state.gov
Vacations are supposed to be a time to relax. If you do your homework ahead of time, your dream vacation will come true!
SOURCE: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/avoid-scamswhen-you-travel
— BBB Education Foundation and Texas Senior Medicare Patrol