Don’t Let Summer Scams Spoil Your Plans
With summer just around the corner, your mind might be on vacation already. But scammers aren’t taking a break. Watch out for these frequent traps to make sure your holiday plans continue without a hitch.
Phony listings for lodging
Especially common on third-party platforms and social media marketplaces, criminals often advertise a room or entire home for short-term rental. In reality, they just want your money and/or personal information, with no intention of providing accommodations. Fake listings often use stolen or reused images from other listings, or they may use AI-generated or enhanced photos. Legitimate short-term lodging platforms will provide in-site payment mechanisms, making it unnecessary to pay or provide personal information outside of the in-site booking process.
Fake paperwork services
Watch out for imposters offering to take care of the arrangements for your trip. Obtain passports, visas, and other necessary documents directly from the relevant agencies. Criminals may charge higher fees than governments will, or fraudsters may ask for money to acquire documents that would normally be free. These schemes bilk victims out of both money and the sensitive personal information required to complete the paperwork.
Too good to be true prizes
Often in the form of an unsolicited robocall, text, or social media message, the scam claims you won free plane tickets or accommodations for a trip. After they’ve got you hooked, though, the scammers may ask for personal information or payment for “fees” or “taxes.” While these types of fraud exist year-round, they may seem even more appealing with vacation hours saved up.
When making summer plans, keep the following tips in mind:
- If you’re suspicious of a listing or offer, do an online reverse image search of the photos to check if they were taken from somewhere else.
- Check the account history of accounts offering accommodations on third-party platforms and marketplaces. Sparse histories and an inconsistent record could be a warning sign.
- Pay with credit card. Credit cards offer strong fraud dispute protections compared to debit or cash payment.
- Beware of requests for payment through payment apps, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. Individuals with legitimate offers shouldn’t pressure you to pay through these mediums.
- When in doubt, get your own paperwork and book accommodations directly with businesses yourself.
- Ask someone you trust for a second opinion if something seems off. Another set of eyes might spot a red flag you otherwise missed.
If you believe you have encountered a scam, please file a complaint on our website. Your report helps Fraud.org alert the public and share critical information with consumer protection agencies and law enforcement partners.
