Whether you’re planning a relaxing getaway, a big family adventure, or your first-ever solo trip, travel is something we all look forward to. Unfortunately, that same excitement is exactly what scammers count on. Fraudsters have gotten more creative—and more convincing—when it comes to fake travel deals, bogus timeshare offers, and vacation rental scams. And no matter your age, these schemes can do real damage to your finances.
Travel scams come in many forms, but the most common involve:
- Fake vacation packages promoted online or through unsolicited emails and social media ads.
- Phony airline or cruise tickets that never get delivered after you pay.
- Fraudulent vacation rentals where the property either doesn’t exist or isn’t actually for rent.
- Timeshare resale scams that charge upfront fees and never deliver on the promise to sell your timeshare.
- “Free” vacations that turn out to have hidden costs—or don’t exist at all.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, travel-related scams cost U.S. consumers more than $92 million in 2023, and that number is climbing. The rise in online bookings and mobile travel apps means these scams can target anyone, from tech-savvy 20-somethings to retirees planning a bucket list trip.
Everyone. Scammers don’t discriminate—they simply tailor their approach:
- Young adults may be targeted with fake discount sites or bogus influencer giveaways.
- Middle-aged travelers might get caught by fraudulent rental listings or airfare deals.
- Seniors are often targeted with high-pressure timeshare sales or phishing calls pretending to be travel agents.
If you’re excited about a trip, you’re a target.
Watch out for these common red flags:
- Deals that sound too good to be true—because they usually are.
- Urgent requests to book now or miss the “exclusive offer.”
- Vague or missing details, such as no written confirmation, address, or company contact info.
- Demands for payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. These are nearly impossible to trace and a major red flag.
- Research first. Look up the company on review sites and verify with the Better Business Bureau.
- Avoid clicking on links from unsolicited emails or social media messages.
- Use a credit card for bookings—it offers more fraud protection than debit or wire transfers.
- Double-check listings for vacation rentals. Use trusted platforms and confirm with the property owner.
- Read the fine print before signing anything—especially when it comes to timeshares or “membership” clubs.
If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a travel scam, don’t wait—report it immediately:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): www.reportfraud.ftc.gov
- State Attorney General’s Office: Contact your local consumer protection division.
- AARP Fraud Watch Network: www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork
- Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker: www.bbb.org/scamtracker
Travel should bring joy, not regret. By staying informed and keeping your guard up, you can enjoy your trip—and protect your wallet at the same time.
Need more resources to protect your personal information and accounts? Visit the Fraud Resources section of our website to stay one step ahead of scammers.
