Imagine this nightmare! You’ve booked your dream vacation planning on a fun filled trip. But when you arrive, you discover the luxury tour you thought you booked is a scam. Travel scams are up as more and more people are traveling. Therefore, it’s important that you also equip yourself with tips on how to avoid travel scams. Here are tips you can use to spot scams before you lose your money. The following points will give you some important ideas on ways to avoid travel scams to stay safe and enjoy your vacation with peace of mind.
Watch Out for Fake Travel Websites
While real travel websites can be beneficial, fake ones can lead to costly mistakes. Many people have been scammed into buying fake airline tickets, accommodations, or car rental services. Studies conducted on travelers revealed that 23% never bother to check if a website is real before booking a particular service, and 33% of them stated they never considered this issue. If a website is offering large discounts on flights, it is a scam as prices are set by the airlines and private companies never have access to large discounts.
Check for Any Possible Red Flags
Some traveling offers can be too good to be accurate; for instance, you can receive an email congratulating you for winning a trip you never even participated in or you if discover a very affordable holiday rental in a highly desirable area. Sometimes you’ll see multiple listings in different locations on Airbnb with the same pictures. In addition to stealing your money, you’ll also show up at a property that might not even exist or already be occupied.
Another telltale sign is how con artists request money. They frequently demand payment using difficult-to-trace means such as wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Requests for these types of payment are major red flags.
Book Directly from the Source
The number of traveling shopping sites has increased recently, and not all are credible.
To avoid problems, call the provider directly or visit their official website. If you do book through a third party, verify your reservation with the airline or hotel before you begin your trip.
Avoid Super-Low Hotel Room Rates
Fake hotel room scams are on the rise. If an online hotel site offers an unbelievable deal, it’s a red flag. Be cautious and consider looking elsewhere. Are there any other websites that offer a similar price? If the hotel website seems like too good a deal, call the hotel’s customer service number directly. After discussing the room price, ask for recommendations on local restaurants and attractions. How they handle a more extended conversation can help you determine if you’re speaking to a genuine customer service representative or someone inexperienced with tourist inquiries. You are likely to avoid scams and lose money if you spend time checking different hotel credentials.
Hire a Travel Agent
It is simple to compare flights and rental cars on your own with travel websites. So, is using a travel agency truly necessary? The answer is yes as they only work with trusted vendors. Butler Travel and other travel agencies help you avoid dubious businesses and fraud. They represent you if something goes wrong while you’re traveling. To be sure you’re in excellent hands, the Better Business Bureau advises receiving suggestions from individuals you trust for travel agents.
Pay With a Credit Card
If wired bank transfers, Zelle, or cash are misused, it may be challenging to track them down. Even PayPal purchases can be complex, mainly if you use Friends and Family rather than Goods and Services. Credit card payments, on the other hand, provide increased security. Card issuers can cancel charges if they become fraudulent and frequently offer fraud protection. There may be additional security when paying for hotel stays or airline tickets using a credit card. You might be eligible for a reimbursement from your bank if the reservation is fraudulent. When making payments on third-party platforms, use caution. Scammers frequently attempt to entice you away from reliable booking websites with lower prices.
Avoid Taxi Scams
One common scam is for your taxi driver to claim the hotel you are going to is closed. They might insist they know the hotel is closed or overbooked and then take you to a hotel where they receive a commission. One way to avoid this scam is to have your transportation organized by the hotel. Even if you don’t set up your transportation in advance, you can avoid this scam by insisting that the taxi take you to your destination.
Another popular taxi scam is for drivers to take longer routes or claim their meter is broken. They might coordinate with a fake police officer as well for on demand bribes. The best way to avoid these scams is by hiring a reputable driver.
Avoid Fake Travel Agents
If you do decide to use a travel agent to help you with your trip, here are some ways to help make sure they are legit. Check their reviews on Google. Do they have an ASTA certification? Are they accredited with IATA? Make sure that all bookings are provided and are with established airlines, hotels or other vendors. Read the terms and conditions carefully before proceeding.
Conclusion
Traveling should be fun but it’s not when one has to worry or be stressed out. Scams have always been around but with the internet they are becoming more numerous. The best way to avoid scams is to book through trusted vendors. If you are feeling overwhelmed by all the choices there are in travel, make your trip easier by booking through a travel agent like Bulter Travel.