“`html

Protect Yourself from Travel Scams

Travel scams are deceptive schemes where criminals pose as travel companies to steal money or personal information. For instance, you might receive a call claiming you’ve won an all-expenses-paid vacation to Dubai or a free cruise to Cozumel, but there’s a catch: you need to wire money for the booking fee. Once you send the money, it vanishes, and your dream trip never materializes.

These scams are prevalent, and anyone can be a target. However, by understanding the tactics scammers use, you can protect yourself. Here are five ways to avoid travel scams:

1. Look for Red Flags

One clear sign of a travel scam is an offer that seems too good to be true. For example, you might get an email announcing you’ve won a fantastic trip, even though you never entered any sweepstakes. Or, you find an ideal vacation rental at an unbelievably low price.

These are common scams. The “free travel” call aims to get you to provide money or personal information over the phone. The fake rental scheme seeks to take your money, leading to the disappointment of arriving at a non-existent or occupied rental.

Scammers often request payment through hard-to-trace methods like wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Treat such payment requests as major red flags and avoid paying them.

2. Hit Pause Before You Act

Scammers use pressure tactics to rush you into making decisions. For example, a caller might say you’ve won a free cruise but need to pay the booking fee immediately to secure your spot. Their goal is to prevent you from hesitating.

If anyone pressures you to make an immediate decision, it’s likely a scam. When in doubt, hang up or don’t respond.

3. Pay With a Credit Card

Using a credit card for travel bookings offers better protection than other payment methods. Federal law limits your liability for unauthorized purchases to no more than $50, and many credit cards offer $0 liability for fraudulent purchases.

Additionally, travel credit cards can provide perks like no foreign transaction fees, lost luggage reimbursement, travel insurance, and airport lounge access. You can also earn points or miles to reduce the cost of future trips.

4. Only Book Through Reputable Sites

To avoid fake travel booking scams, be cautious of unsolicited contact from people claiming to be from a travel company. Instead, visit the company’s website directly.

Scammers often use website spoofing to create lookalike travel sites that appear legitimate. Always double-check the company’s URL using a search engine to ensure it’s authentic.

5. Consider Working With a Travel Advisor

A travel advisor can safely and efficiently book your trip, handling all the details like flights, hotels, and reservations. They may also offer reduced rates through group discounts.

However, ensure your travel advisor is a certified professional. The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) can connect you with a trusted travel advisor to securely plan your trip.

The Bottom Line

Travel scams can ruin your vacation plans, but being aware of the signs and taking precautions can help you avoid them. If you suspect you’ve encountered a scammer, you can place a fraud alert on your credit report for free through the Experian Fraud Alert Center. Additionally, report any fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

For any mortgage-related needs, feel free to call O1ne Mortgage at 213-732-3074. We’re here to help you with confidence and expertise.

“`