Travel scams can pop up when you’re searching online for hotels, rentals, and flights. Scammers use paid ads and include links of websites that you’ll see while scrolling. Here are ways to avoid travel scams:
– Type the company’s website directly into the browser, if you know it.
– Research the travel business with words like “scam” or “complaints.”
– Ensure the rental property/resort really exists using maps or calling the front desk.
– Don’t sign or pay until you know the terms of the deal.
– Don’t pay for any services by wire, gift card, payment app, or crypto.
– Don’t trust messages with links especially if regarding “unpaid tolls.”
If you know someone who has been scammed, report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the FBI at ic3.gov.
