Tips for Avoiding Travel Scams this Season


If you’re busy planning that last-minute trip or are looking for some great deals on travel packages, make sure you’re not the next victim of a travel scam.

Scam artists are getting even better at conning prospective travelers into signing off on travel packages or sharing credit card information. If you do encounter a suspicious offer or a deal that simply sounds too good to be true, you may be dealing with a scam. Knowing how to spot these scams and taking steps to reduce your risk of identity theft can make that next trip a little less stressful.

Here are some tips for avoiding travel scams this season:Beware of Travel Scams on Craigslist

Craigslist can be a very valuable tool for finding vacation rentals and short-term stay apartments, but you may encounter many scam artists on this free classifieds site. Take the time to learn about any vacation rental company and find as much information as possible about the property before you make a deposit. Finding legitimate travel deals on sites like Craigslist isn’t impossible, but you do need to be careful about who you do business with.Don’t Send Payments via Money Transfer

Avoid sending payments to an untraceable account via money transfers or wires – there’s a good chance you won’t see that money again. Many scam artists set up fake accounts or just have the money sent directly to their personal account without your knowledge.Watch Your Luggage

Don’t let anyone pack your bags on your behalf or handle your luggage at any point during your trip. No matter how heavy those bags might be, it’s never a good idea to hand over your bags to someone who insists on “helping” you get to your next destination. Keep a close eye on your luggage during airport transfers, when loading and unloading vehicles, and even when you’re waiting in line.Research Legitimate Cab Companies

Try and book your cab before you leave so you aren’t left having to hail a cab at the last minute and working with a dishonest taxi driver as a result. Plan this part of your trip ahead of time so you are hiring a legitimate cab company for transportation.

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