Abstract: Many people are traveling again, for
business and for pleasure. But as travel demand increases, so does
travel-related fraud. This article describes how scam artists seek to use phone
calls, emails and other means to take advantage of travelers
— and offers tips to help individuals avoid becoming victims.
As travel
returns, so do travel scams
Even though COVID-19
remains a concern, many people have started traveling again — and are planning
to take trips during the holiday season. Unfortunately, as travel demand has
increased, so has travel-related fraud.
For example, some
fraud perpetrators posing as airline employees call would-be victims to try to
elicit credit card numbers. Other scam artists send phishing emails that appear
to offer cheap seats or rooms. And there are plenty of fake websites
masquerading as legitimate travel companies.
Be alert for
fraud
As you plan your
next trip, take these steps:
Ignore
unsolicited communications. If you receive
an email, text, flyer or telemarketing call with a travel bargain, it’s
probably smart to ignore it. Afraid of missing out on a deal? Directly contact
the airline, hotel or rental car company featured in the promotion.
Book with
established companies. Whether traveling
for business or pleasure, make reservations with companies whose names you
know. If you’re booking with a new service provider, read online reviews by
fellow travelers. Some review platforms allow you to search using keywords,
others identify keywords frequently used by reviewers and allow you to filter
for those reviews. Also, perform an online search with the name of the company
and words such as “fraud” or “scam.”
Watch out for
lodging scams. Many travelers use online
property marketplaces to find lodging. But you need to scrutinize listings. Some
fraud perpetrators post ads for nonexistent properties with enticing,
below-market rates. If a “property owner” asks you to move the conversation off
the site to avoid fees, refuse the request. Reputable platforms provide some
protections, such as insurance in the event the transaction results in fraud. They
also include credit card protection.
Work with trusted services. If you travel frequently or don’t have time to research trips, consider engaging a travel advisor or travel agent. These professionals maintain close working relationships with legitimate companies, know about the latest deals, may be able to provide insider tips about your destination and can make reservations for you.
Follow your instincts
Before booking
your vacation or business trip, scrutinize it for signs of fraud. If you doubt
the legitimacy of a service provider or are suspicious of individuals involved
in a transaction, go with your instincts and look elsewhere. Safe travel
requires diligence before your journey begins.
© 2022