FBI Guidance: Building a Digital Defense Against Travel Scams

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has released an article on building a digital defense against travel scams. FBI explains how scammers trick consumers with “free” vacation ploys. These offers may be fake or involve hidden fees. Legitimate companies will not ask prize winners to pay to claim their reward.

So before you book that discounted hotel room or flight reservation, be sure to keep these travel tips from our friends at the Federal Trade Commission in mind:

• Just say no to the robocalls. If you answer your phone to another automated message, just hang up and ignore it. Most robocalls are illegal. If you get one of these unwanted calls, report it to FTC.
• Be vigilant to unexpected emails and text messages. Similar to the automated calls, many scam artists will send you fake deals through both email and text. Remember, if the offer is too good to be true, it probably is. Ignore and delete the messages.
• Research a company before booking with them. If you do decide to use an agency that offers cheaper deals, be sure to do your research. Look up reviews and ratings to see if other customers were satisfied with the services that they received.
• Know the cancellation policy. Before booking, take time to ask about the company’s refund policies for flight reservations, car rentals, and hotel bookings. Get these policies in writing.
• Pay with credit card. If you have gone through all of these steps and feel good about booking with the company, use your credit card to pay. This will give you more protection than paying with cash, check, or a debit card. If you end up not getting what you paid for, this will enable you to dispute the charges with your credit card company.

Enjoy your vacation and stay safe.  More about this story, read it from the FBI website.

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