Planning a vacation can be an exciting experience, but in preparation for this exciting event, overly gullible travelers can be deceived, reports Travel Pulse.
Travel expert Bird Bergeron shared the clear warning signs that consumers are at risk of travel scams.
Last-minute holiday deals
If you start looking at your options right before your vacation and suddenly receive an offer that seems too good and lucrative, Bergeron recommends being careful.
“Are you planning to travel in two weeks or less? That’s a glaring ‘possible scam’ flashing at you. Deals rarely appear on late-night trips, so be wary of these tempting offers,” she said.
Super cheap flights
Do your research when it comes to incredibly cheap airfare, Bergeron warns.
“Beware of incredibly cheap flights, as they often come with strings attached,” the expert notes.
She said scammers often use fake websites and reviews to sell non-refundable tickets laden with all sorts of restrictions. Before investing your earned money, make sure that the airline ticket offered to you is legitimate.
Risky Vacation Rentals
With the recent surge in the popularity of private holiday rentals, scams associated with it have become widespread. Bergeron advises travelers to be wary of hosts who list the same property at different prices, as they may be trying to collect the booking fee twice. Airbnb alone removed 59,000 fraudulent listings last year. By booking directly through the property owner’s website, you can largely avoid falling for this common scam.
Requests for photographs of documents
“Your personal information is your treasure, and you should guard it with fire,” Bergeron said.
If an unverified person online asks for photos of your credit card, driver’s license, or passport, end the conversation immediately. Fraudsters often collect and then use this type of personal information to make unauthorized transactions.
Requests for confidential information
“Genuine companies won’t pressure you to provide personal information up front,” says Bergeron.
If you find that the other person is pressuring you for personal details, consider this as a red flag. Protect your privacy and avoid transactions that require too much personal information from you at once.
Fraudulent fees for everything
Scammers like to play games with fake fees, Bergeron said.
“They charge huge amounts to complete a transaction or make minor changes, leaving you frustrated and empty-handed,” she said.
To avoid falling victim to such confusion, she advises travelers to avoid providers who charge extra fees for simple services. In the worst-case scenario, if you encounter travel scammers or even fall for one of their tricks, be sure to report it to your travel agency and the relevant authorities. The expert advises consumers to stop communicating with scammers, but be sure to keep records and document these interactions. Always prioritize protecting your personal information and documentation and always trust your instincts. They will be your best protectors and protect you from the wolves in sheep’s clothing that lie in wait for you in the world of travel.