BBB Offers Tips to Help Travelers Avoid Vacation Scams This Summer
As summer travel season begins, Better Business Bureau serving Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky is encouraging consumers to stay alert and protect themselves from vacation scams. From fake rental listings and misleading “free” vacation offers to Wi-Fi scams and card skimmers, scammers often target travelers looking for the best deals.
“Building trust between businesses and consumers is at the heart of BBB’s mission,” said Robyn Householder, President and CEO of BBB serving Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky. “We want travelers to have the best possible experience by helping them identify trustworthy businesses and recognize common scams before they impact their summer getaway.”
Travel scams often increase during peak travel periods, including summer vacations, as scammers take advantage of popular destinations and online searches for discounted trips. Before booking a trip, travelers should research companies and look for reputable travel agencies, agents, and websites. Consumers can start their search at BBB.org to find trustworthy businesses and read customer reviews.
Before You Travel: Avoid Vacation Scams
BBB recommends taking the following steps before making travel arrangements:
- Research vacation rentals carefully. Be cautious of listings that seem too good to be true, contain misleading
photos, or advertise properties that do not exist. Verify the property’s location, review public records when available, and use online mapping tools to confirm the details. - Be wary of “free” vacations. A free cruise or getaway may come with hidden costs such as transportation fees, taxes, gratuities or other unexpected charges.
- Get all trip details in writing. Before paying, confirm the total cost, cancellation policies, refund policies, restrictions, and the names of hotels and airlines involved.
- Plan Ahead. Booking early gives travelers more time to research options and can help secure better pricing before peak travel periods.
- Consider travel insurance. Ask questions, understand what is covered, and carefully review the policy’s terms and exclusions.
- Pay with a credit card. Credit cards often provide additional protection
if a reservation turns out to be fraudulent. - Notify your financial institutions of your travel plans. Travel alerts can help prevent legitimate purchases from being flagged as suspicious.
- Find a reputable pet sitter or boarding facility. Ask for references, check licensing requirements and ensure the environment is safe for your pet.
While You’re Away: Stay Alert for Travel Scams
Even after arriving at a destination, travelers should remain cautious:
- Watch for card skimmers. Before using gas pumps or ATMs, inspect card readers for signs of tampering. Skimming devices can capture payment card information and lead to fraud.
- Be cautious about hotel phone scams. A caller may pretend to be from the front desk and claim there is an issue with your payment method. Never provide credit card information over the phone unless you initiated the call or confirmed it with hotel staff.
- Avoid unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Fake “free” Wi-Fi connections can be used to steal personal information. Avoid accessing financial accounts while connected to public Wi-Fi and use a secure network whenever possible.
After Your Trip: Continue Protecting Yourself
Travel safety doesn’t end when the vacation is done. BBB recommends waiting until returning home to post vacation photos on social media, as public posts announcing you are away may alert criminals that your home is unoccupied.
Consumers who encounter a suspicious travel offer or believe they have been targeted by a scam can report it to BBB Scam Tracker. Reports help warn others and assist BBB in identifying emerging scam
For more tips on avoiding scams and finding
