Travel should be exciting — but today’s travelers need to pack a little extra caution along with their passports.
Travel scams have become increasingly sophisticated, with criminals pretending to represent airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and other trusted travel companies. In some cases, they may know enough about you or your travel plans to make the communication sound legitimate.
One scam travelers should be particularly cautious about is an unexpected phone call, text, or email concerning an upcoming flight. The caller may claim there is a problem with your reservation or that your airline seat has not been paid for. You’re told that unless you provide a credit card and make an immediate payment, you could lose your seat.
It sounds urgent — and that is exactly the point.
Creating urgency is one of a scammer’s most effective tools. My advice is simple: stop before you pay. CALL your trusted Travel Advisor!
Never provide credit card numbers, passwords, verification codes, or personal information to someone who unexpectedly contacts you. Instead, hang up and independently contact your airline, cruise line, hotel, or travel advisor using a phone number or website you know is legitimate. Don’t rely on the number appearing on your caller ID, as phone numbers can be spoofed.
Be cautious when searching online for customer-service numbers, too. Scammers can create websites and listings that look remarkably similar to legitimate travel companies. Go directly to the company’s official website or app rather than simply clicking the first search result.
Other warning signs include requests for payment by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency or payment app, unusually inexpensive vacation offers, and unexpected messages asking you to click a link to “confirm” your reservation.
One of the advantages of working with an experienced travel advisor is having a real person you know and trust to contact when something doesn’t seem right. Before responding to a suspicious travel message, call your advisor and ask, “Is this legitimate?” That one call could save you considerable money and frustration.
Travel is still one of life’s great pleasures. A little awareness — and knowing who to call — can help make sure the memories you bring home are the ones you intended to make.
Ready to Travel?
I have two exciting upcoming group departures:
Credit Arcady – stock.adobe.com
Scotland: Land of Lore & Legend — April 23–May 3, 2027
Discover Scotland’s dramatic landscapes, fascinating history and legendary stories. Transfers, lights, tour, excursions, and most meals are included.
Credit basiczto – stock.adobe.com
The Northern Lights of Finland — December 4–11, 2027
Experience the magic of Finnish Lapland and the possibility of witnessing the spectacular Northern Lights. Transfers, flights, tour, excursions, and most meals are included.
Travel should be about wonderful experiences and lasting memories. Stay aware, verify before you pay — and when in doubt, call a travel professional you know and trust.
Contact me for details and reservations. Space is limited.
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