How to Avoid Travel Scams?

June 26, 2022

How to Avoid Travel Scams?

During the summer season, there are lots of travel scams through text messages, e-mails, and telephone calls. Some scams promise a free cruise line or a free flight to any destination. Yet, all of these scams are fake when they ask for your personal information in advance. There will be misspelled words and phrases that the company might use. Therefore, read and examine the content of the e-mail and text messages.

Do not pick up the telephone if you do not recognize the telephone number. Let the caller go to voicemail. Listen carefully to the voicemail from the caller. If they ask you for a credit card number, bank account, or to send cash to an unknown address; Report the cell phone number to the Federal Trade Commission. Register your cell phone number on the Do Not Call website.

Travel scams can be avoided by checking the company's official website. Usually, the website the scammer provides can contain viruses, a hacking tool, and a look-alike website making it seem official. Do not copy and paste any links from the scammer. Make sure you type the correct URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or the address of the internet website. Also, book your travel dates, hotels, food, and travel expenses on the telephone.

Verify you have the correct website and telephone number before booking your travel destination. Read the fine print with a magnifying glass. If you are not sure if it is a legit travel website, use a good traveling agency. Ask your travel agent about discounts, travel packages, and other expenses directly. A travel agency will never ask you to wire money or pay with a gift card.

Also, a free trip that asks for paying for food and other expenses is most likely a scam. Before you book your next trip, research your travel resort and expenses. Download your cell phone provider's app that detects scam calls. Do not give out personal information and keep a copy of all your travel invoices. Here are more links about travel scams.

Avoid Scams When You Travel-Consumer Advice:

Avoid Scams When You Travel | Consumer Advice (ftc.gov)

10 Common Travel Scams and How to Avoid Them:

10 Common Travel Scams and How to Avoid Them (worldnomads.com)

10 of the Most Common Travel Scams & How to Avoid Them:

10 Of The Most Common Travel Scams & How To Avoid Them (thetravel.com)

Online Scams:

https://www.ireviews.com/online-scams/

Travel Scams Targeting Seniors-Don't Fall for it:

https://www.seniorsafetyreviews.com/travel-scams-targeting-seniors-dont-fall-for-it/