Ever got a text, call or email promising free or cheap vacations at a popular tourist destination? Beware, this could be an instance of travel fraud. You might end up paying hidden fees, or worse, find out that no tickets were booked, and it’s all a scam.
Travel fraud involves misleading and illegal practices within the travel and tourism industry. With booking made easy and instant, online travel scams are on the rise. Whether it’s a travel agent scam or fake websites, it is important for you to know how to identify, prevent and report these scams.
The world is waiting for you, but so are scammers. Before you hit the road, check these 4 common travel scams:
Digital dupes: Fake websites, apps, and listings
Scammers create fake travel websites or listings on authentic websites to sell ‘free’ vacation packages, hotel reservations and air tickets.
Cloned travel apps are on the rise. These fraud apps look very similar to popular ones like TripAdvisor or Airbnb, but they steal your personal information to impersonate you.
Fake agencies: Too good to be true
Fake travel agents might offer you ‘exclusive’ deals at unusually cheap prices, asking you to book fast. These agents might also offer to update or expedite your passport and visa.
Stay away from these online travel agencies even if you’re in a hurry. Always go to your local government office to renew or issue these documents.
Phishing: Don’t get hooked
Unknown links and attachments can be used by fraudsters to hack into your device. Then they use your personal information to book flights, hotel rooms, or use reward points under your name.
Currency exchange: Real or copy?
Some exchange rate bureaus might charge you extra fees, especially at popular tourist spots. Scammers might also pose as currency exchange authorities, robbing you of your cash by exchanging counterfeit notes that look like original ones.
Vacations are all about losing yourself in memorable experiences, but safety is a top priority at the same time. Here are some pre-trip and on-the-go suggestions to keep your trip sailing smooth and your wallet safe at every step:
Pre-trip prep
✓ Check reviews: To confirm if a website or app is trustworthy, always check reviews on Google and social media platforms.
✓ Say no to hidden costs: Never pay upfront for additional services before confirmation. If you don’t need a service, simply refuse it, even if they claim it is ‘free’.
✓ Ask for verification documents: Every legitimate travel agency has an email address, phone number and a physical address. If they don’t have all three of the above, they might not be trustworthy. Ask the travel agency for proper credentials, registration documents and verification before making the payment.
✓ Never wire money: Fraudsters might pressure you to urgently wire money under the pretext of upgrading your flight seats or booking executive luxury rooms at a resort at a lower price.
✓ Credit card and currency exchange: Go for credit cards over debit cards as they’re more secure. Always exchange your currency in your home country to avoid higher fees. When in doubt, always go to a bank as they’re more reliable than private agencies.
✓ Get travel insurance: Get an all-inclusive travel insurance policy that covers your medical expenses, lost baggage, cancellation charges and delays. Keep the policy documents and insurer’s contact information handy.
✓ Buy a travel guidebook: Always do thorough research about the country you’re traveling to. You might also find some country-specific travel guides that list its common scams.
✓ Keep others updated: Before leaving, contact your bank and let them know your vacation dates, destinations, and which card you’ll be using. Also remember to share your travel insurer’s contact information with friends and family in case you face an emergency.
On-the-go awareness
• ATM alert: Use ATMs only in well-lit, busy streets and safe locations. Don’t let anyone peep when you enter your PIN.
• Trust your gut: Whether it’s street children or strangers being dramatic or pushy, if something feels off, simply walk away.
• Pocket protectors: Keep your passport, visa, and other identity documents safely in a waist pouch, money belt or your bag’s inner pocket. Never leave your documents carelessly in public spaces.
• Must-have gadgets: To avoid compromising your private data, use your own charging cables. In case you need to use a public charging station, use a USB data blocker. The safest alternative is using power banks to charge your devices on the go.
Keep your data safe by disabling the data transfer option on your mobile phone. Avoid connecting to free public wi-fi connections as well.
Once you’ve checked all the above points, you’re free to focus on making memories.
Now, go enjoy your next adventure!
