Watch out for travel scam warning signs
Planning a vacation can be a fun experience, but amid the excitement lies the lurking threat of scams that are just waiting to prey on unsuspecting travelers.
To help travelers navigate these treacherous waters, Byrd Bergeron, founder and CEO of the Travel Byrds agency, shared warning signs that consumers might be on the brink of a scam.
Last-minute getaway deals: Ifa seemingly too-good-to-be-true deal for a last-minute vacation suddenly pops up, Bergeron advises caution. “Traveling within two weeks or less? That’s a neon sign flashing ‘scam’ at you. Legitimate deals rarely pop up for last-minute trips, so be wary of those tempting offers,” she said.
Ultra-cheap airline tickets:
Do your due diligence when it comes to incredibly inexpensive flights, Bergeron said. “Beware of unbelievably cheap flights, as they often come with strings attached.” Scammers frequently use fake websites and reviews to sell nonrefundable tickets laden with all sorts of restrictions, she said. Before you invest your money, double-check the airfare’s legitimacy.
With the surge in popularity of private vacation rentals, associated scams have become rampant. Bergeron advises travelers to be wary of hosts who list the same property at different price points; they could be looking to double-book and maximize profits. Airbnb alone removed 59,000 fraudulent listings last year. By
Risky vacation rentals:
booking directly through a property owner’s website, you can avoid falling for this common scam.
Requests for document photos:
“Your personal information is your treasure and you should guard it fiercely,” Bergeron said. If an unverified person online requests photos of your credit card, driver’s license or passport, stop the conversation. Scammers will often use this type of personal information for identity theft or to conduct unauthorized transactions.