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A Real-Life Travel Scam: Michael's Story

Michael spent weeks planning a family getaway. When he searched for hotels, one of the top results looked perfect with professional photos, familiar branding, and slightly lower prices. He booked confidently, entered his credit card information, and received what looked like a legitimate confirmation email.

A week later, his credit card revealed a much higher charge. When he contacted the hotel, he learned the truth: he booked through a fake third-party site designed to mimic the real one. His payment went to a scammer, and his reservation didn't exist.

Unfortunately, Michael's story is common, and scammers only continue to get more sophisticated.

Common Travel Scams to Watch Out For

Before you pack your bags, take a moment to understand the most common travel scams targeting consumers today.

1. "Free Trips" and Bargain Deals from Unsolicited Sources

Scammers reach out by email, text, social media, postcards, or pop-up ads often using real logos to appear credible. They may promise:

• A "free" luxury cruise
• Deeply discounted resort stays
• All-inclusive packages

But once you're hooked, they tack on high fees, pressure you to act quickly, or avoid giving specifics about the tip. Legitimate travel companies do not operate this way.

2. Real ID Scams

With Real ID requirements now in effect for domestic flights, scammers impersonate DMVs. They encourage you to click a link to "update your license", leading to stolen personal information or malware.

Remember: You must apply for a Real ID in person. DMVs do NOT collect personal information via email or text messages.

3. Passport Renewal Scams

This scam begins when travelers search online for "renew passport". Fake or sponsored websites appear at the top of the search results and:

• Collect extensive personal information
• Charge "processing" fees
• Provide a PDF form, but do not renew your passport

Victims walk away with no renewal and their sensitive data in the hands of scammers.

4. Vacation Rental Scams

This increasingly common scam targets travelers booking cabins, condos, homes, or beach rentals. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), scammers often:

• Hijack legitimate rental listings and repost them as their own
• Replace the real owner's name with their own fake contact information
• List the property at unusually low prices to attract interest
• Claim that "many people are interested" to pressure quick payment
• Urge renters to wire money or pay offline to "secure the reservation"

If you show up at the rental property and other guests are also booked, or the owner has no record of your reservation, it's already too late.

While platforms like Airbnb and VRBO offer protections, those protections disappear if a scammer convinces you to communicate outside the platform or pay them directly.

How to Protect Yourself from Travel Scams

Before booking flights, hotels, or rental cars, follows these tips to stay safe:

1. Verify Websites and Secure Payments

Fake websites can look incredibly convincing. Protect yourself by carefully reading the URL to check for typos or odd extensions. Avoid sites that lack a customer service page, phone number, or physical address. Before entering any personal information, make sure the website begins with https:// and displays a padlock symbol. If the page is not secure, close it immediately.

2. Don't Trust Phone Numbers Without Verifying

Scammers can spoof legitimate company phone numbers. If you receive a call that is suspicious, it is best to hang up and call back a phone number you know is legitimate. If you need to call customer service, visit the company's official website and use only the phone numbers listed there.

3. Do Your Homework Before Booking

Before using any travel agency, rental company, or vacation booking site, do some research before working with them. Search the business name plus words like "scam", "complaint", or "reviews". Ask your trusted friends and family for recommendations on trusted services they've used before.

4. Avoid Search Terms Like "Cheap Rental Cars"

Scammers target common phrases like:

• Cheap car rentals
• Best travel deals
• Discount vacations

These keywords help fake companies appear at the top of search results, even sometimes as sponsored ads.

5. Never Pay with Gift Cards, Wire Transfers, or Cryptocurrency

Scammers prefer payment methods that are untraceable and non-refundable. Avoid using gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, and apps like Zelle or Venmo for commercial transactions. Use a credit card whenever possible as it offers the strongest protection.

Travel Smart, Stay Safe

As you prepare for your summer adventures, staying aware of common travel scams can help protect your wallet—and your vacation. A few extra precautions today can spare you a major headache later.

 

Information originally posted by the AARP and the FTC, adapted by IAA Credit Union.