2023 is shaping up to be a busy summer travel season. If you haven’t booked a trip yet, it’s not too late. There are plenty of deals available. But, as News 4 Jax reports, you will want to be cautious before you book as there are a lot of travel scams taking place.
The news station found that Americans lost more than $265,000 to travel scams last year, with the average loss being $600.
To help you avoid being taken advantage of, be sure to follow these five tips from the Better Business Bureau:
- Avoid broad internet searches. Generic searches like “best deals” can sometimes bring up websites that look official but are total scams designed to rip off unsuspecting consumers.
- Be wary. Watch out for phone calls or letters claiming a “free trip” or websites offering prices that appear too good to be true.
- Do your homework. Research the business and read customer reviews before paying for a hotel or any service.
- Get all the trip details in writing before making a final payment. You should verify the total cost, restrictions, cancellation penalties, and names of the airlines and hotels.
- Pay with a credit card. This provides additional protection if something should go wrong with your reservation, and you need to dispute a charge.
Have you ever fallen victim to a travel scam? Message The Seniors Trust on Facebook or Twitter and let us know what tips you have to avoid being ripped off.
