(Graphic | Courtesy of Oregon FBI)
It seems as though everyone is desperate to escape this summer… to go anywhere other than your basement office or the neighborhood park. And, finally, with lockdowns lifting, we are getting the chance to travel.
Beware though — scammers are not going to let such a good opportunity go to waste. Your desire to get out drives their desire to cash out at your expense.
Here are some tips from our friends at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC):
- Watch out for offers of a “free” vacation that require you to pay fees or taxes to get it.
- Pay attention to the details. You get offered a stay at a “five-star” resort or a cruise on a “luxury” ship… but the contact won’t give you more specific details? It’s a red flag if you can’t get the name and address of the hotel or details about the cruise company.
- Just say no if the travel offer requires you to pay by wire transfer, gift card or cryptocurrency. Scammers know that once you pay in one of these ways, it is almost impossible for you to get your money back. Always pay by credit card.
- Don’t allow someone to pressure you into making a quick decision about a “great deal.” Scammers use social engineering techniques — playing on your fear of missing out — to rush you to act without thinking.
- Watch for premium vacation properties advertised for super cheap prices. Below-market rent can be a sign of a scam. Do some extra research to confirm the deal is legit before jumping in.
- Get a copy of the cancellation and refund policies before you pay. If you can’t get those details, walk away.
- Do your own research. Look up travel companies, hotels, rentals and agents with the words “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.”
- Check the address of the property to make sure it really exists. If the property is located in a resort, call the front desk to confirm their location and other details on the contract.
If you are the victim of any online fraud, you should also report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov or call your FBI local office.
