Avoid These 4 Vacation Scams
You might be planning and packing up for the vacation of a lifetime. Before you load the car and head out, read through our list of 4 common vacation scams to watch out for and learn how to avoid them. You don’t want to take a permanent vacation with your hard-earned money!
Before heading on your dream vacation, read our list of four common vacation scams to watch out for and learn how to avoid them.
The bogus prize
In this scam, you’ll be notified that you’re the lucky winner of a free vacation. You’ll start planning your trip, only to find you have to pay various “prize fees,” “taxes,” or “deposits” as the departure date approaches. Your “free” vacation isn’t free at all!
You might get suspicious and pull out. Or, you might go ahead with your plans and realize you are a scam victim when you arrive. The vacation destination will either not exist or be so substandard you’ll need a vacation from your vacation when it’s all over.
The dream-priced rental
In this scam, you’ll get a notification that you’re the lucky winner of a free. You’re searching for that perfect vacation rental on Airbnb, and there it is! Precisely what you’ve been looking for — and at a dream price!
You’ll contact the renter, who offers an even steeper discount if you pay through a third-party processing site instead of Airbnb. They will ask you to pay a deposit or even the total price of the rental before you arrive. While paying upfront through Airbnb or another rental service is entirely normal, you will not have the same protection if you’re not using their site.
The problem starts when you get to your vacation spot and learn that your address does not exist.
Phony “experiences.”
Another vacation scam to watch out for is phony experiences. Sites like Airbnb allow you to book “experiences” or days out on the town with locals. This platform has become a breeding ground for scammers. You might book a tour, pay for it and find out too late that the tour is entirely bogus.
Travel club membership with a catch
In these scams, unscrupulous travel companies persuade you to join their travel club with the promise of benefits and discounts. Unfortunately, once you’ve joined, you’ll be charged high dues for perks and discounts that are so hard to access they’re practically worthless.
Watch Out For These Red Flags:
There are many more vacation scams to watch out for; make sure you are not a victim.
1. Upfront fees. Whether it’s a vacation rental, a tourist experience, or a sweepstakes prize, you should not have to pay more than a small deposit before your arrival.
2. Specific payment methods. If they ask you to pay via wire transfer only, you’re looking at a scam.
3. Skimpy details. When booking any vacation, do your research. If your contact refuses to provide anything more than the most basic details and you can’t find much info online, you’re likely looking at a bogus vacation.
4. Extremely low prices. If a vacation rental or package is priced ridiculously low, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with a scammer.
5. Pressure tactics. They push you to quickly sign up for a vacation package or risk losing the deal and opt out.
Now you know the 4 vacation scams to watch out for and how to avoid them. Make sure your friends and family do not fall for these awful scams. Check out our other posts on our MoneySmart Tips Blog.
