Want an offer you don’t want to refuse? Just be patient. It’s coming.
Why, it’s the trip of a lifetime! That cruise you’ve always wanted or a getaway you’ve only dreamed about. In fact, it’s an offer that seems so good – because it likely doesn’t exist. At least not without a fateful twist.
The latest travel scams utilize illicit SEO, search engine optimization. Kimberly Reece, Financial Crimes Customer Advocacy Manager for Regions Bank
The goal of a travel scam is to get you to bite. Fraudsters want your information – sensitive bank or credit card numbers, address, etc. – that will cause far more pain in the long run. It’s not just destinations. It could include travel, transportation and exotic places to stay.
“The latest travel scams utilize illicit SEO, search engine optimization,” said Kimberly Reece, Financial Crimes Customer Advocacy Manager for Regions Bank. “Because it’s online and looks reputable, people looking for a good deal can fall victim. They will also reach out directly, posing as customer service specialists. But the goal is the same: they want your information.”
Travel scams also use vishing and phishing – fake texts, emails and phone calls – to try an entice you. That’s why the FTC has a warning of signs to be cognizant of.
They include:
- The offer of a free vacation.
- Travel offers without specific details.
- Requests for payment through wire transfers, payment apps, gift cards or cryptocurrency.
- Pressure to make a quick decision.
- Advertising premium trips and bargain-basement prices.
Knowing what to look for is only half the battle. But the FTC also has some great advice on how to avoid becoming a victim.
FTC’s 3 Ways To Avoid Travel Scams
- Don’t sign or pay until you know the terms of the deal. Get a copy of the cancellation and refund policies before you pay. If you can’t get those details, walk away. Say “no thanks” to anyone who tries to rush you without giving you time to consider the offer.
- Do some research. Look up travel companies, hotels, rentals and agents with the words “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.” See what others say about them before you commit. Also, check that the address of the property really exists. If the property is located in a resort, call the front desk and confirm their location and other details on the contract.
- Don’t pay anyone who says you can only pay with wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Dishonest travel package promoters might tell you to pay in one of these ways, but that’s a sure sign of a scam. If you pay with wire transfers, gifts cards, or cryptocurrency and there’s a problem with what you paid for, you’ll lose your money, and there’s likely no way to track it or get it back. And if someone says you can only pay with a payment app, it’s probably a scam.
“One criteria for a great travel experience is security. Follow these and other tips to make sure your trip is all you imagined and dreamed about and not a nightmare,” said Jeff Taylor, head of Commercial Fraud Forensics at Regions.
The trip you want is out there. Just take a step back and save your money for the vacation of YOUR dreams.
Additional Resources from Regions.com
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The information presented is general in nature and should not be considered, legal, accounting or tax advice. Regions reminds its customers that they should be vigilant about fraud and security and that they are responsible for taking action to protect their computer systems. Fraud prevention requires a continuous review of your policies and practices, as the threat evolves daily. There is no guarantee that all fraudulent transactions will be prevented or that related financial losses will not occur. Visit regions.com/STOPFRAUD or speak with your Banker for further information on how you can help prevent fraud.