Staying Safe from Scammers When Booking Summer Travel

Scams are an unfortunate reality of the travel industry, with scammers constantly finding new and creative ways to deceive their victims. While it’s natural to assume that as time goes on, people will become more adept at spotting these tactics, the reality is that scammers always seem to be one step ahead of their victims. Recently, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has released a list of summer travel tips to help Michiganders avoid common scams. These tips are a valuable resource for anyone looking to book summer travel, and they cover a range of topics from research and verification to payment and communication.

Research Agents and Booking Sites

When it comes to booking summer travel, one of the most important things you can do is to research your agents and booking sites. This means verifying phone numbers and websites independently, rather than relying on web search results.

Check reviews and ask for personal recommendations from friends and family.
Consult the Better Business Bureau and the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team for information on the legitimacy of a particular agent or booking site.

Additionally, be sure to check for any red flags, such as a lack of transparency or a pushy sales approach. If you come across any of these red flags, it’s best to steer clear of that agent or booking site altogether.

Get Promises in Writing

Another crucial aspect of avoiding scams is to get promises in writing. Before providing your payment information, request that all agreements be provided in writing, including any special requests or terms.

Read the fine print carefully and ask questions if you’re unsure about anything.
Make copies of all documents to dispute any unexpected fees or charges.

It’s also a good idea to be cautious of any agent or booking site that is pushy or aggressive in its sales approach. If you feel like you’re being pressured into making a decision, it’s best to slow down and take a step back.

Pay with a Credit Card

When it comes to paying for travel, it’s generally best to use a credit card. This is because credit cards offer better fraud and cancellation protections than other payment methods.

Avoid paying with cash, checks, or prepaid cards, as these methods offer little to no protection against scams.
Use a designated travel credit card for booking flights, hotels, and other expenses.

It’s also worth noting that credit cards often offer additional benefits, such as travel insurance and assistance, which can be a major advantage when it comes to booking summer travel.

Beware of Fraudulent Listings on Vacation Rental Sites

When booking a vacation rental, it’s essential to be aware of the risks of fraudulent listings. Scammers can hijack legitimate listings or create fake properties on vacation home rental websites like Airbnb and Vrbo.

Always book through verified sources, such as the official website of the rental property or a reputable booking site.
Avoid booking through third-party sites or individuals, as these can be scams.

It’s also worth noting that some vacation rental sites may have their own security measures in place to protect against scams. Be sure to research these measures and take advantage of them to ensure a safe and secure booking experience.

Common Travel Scams Targeting Michiganders

Unfortunately, scammers constantly devise new schemes to target Michiganders. Here are the top four scams to watch out for:

Online Booking Scams

Online booking scams are a common type of scam that targets travelers. These scams occur when a traveler books a hotel or vacation rental through a third-party booking site, rather than directly with the property owner.

Always book directly on the hotel or vacation rental’s official website.
Be wary of third-party booking sites that charge hidden fees or fail to honor special requests.

“Pizza Flyer” Scam

The “pizza flyer” scam is a classic scam that targets travelers. Flyers are slipped under hotel doors that advertise local food delivery, and the scammer asks the traveler to provide their credit card information to take advantage of the offer.

Never give your credit card information to unknown sources.
Verify the legitimacy of any offer by contacting the hotel or restaurant directly.

Fake Front Desk Calls

Another common scam is the fake front desk call. The scammer calls the traveler’s hotel room claiming to be from the front desk and asks for their credit card information due to a “computer glitch.”

Always verify by calling the front desk directly.
Never provide your credit card information to anyone claiming to be from the front desk.

Bait-and-Switch Tactics

Bait-and-switch tactics are a type of scam that targets travelers. The scammer makes an offer that seems too good to be true, but then charges additional fees or pressure the traveler to buy more expensive services.

Be wary of offers with unrealistically low prices that result in additional charges.
Never feel pressured into making a decision, and always take the time to review the terms and conditions.

Conclusion

Hopefully, these tips and information will help you have a fun-filled summer without getting burned by scammers. Remember to always research your agents and booking sites, get promises in writing, pay with a credit card, and be aware of the risks of fraudulent listings on vacation rental sites. By following these tips, you can stay safe and secure when booking summer travel.