As you make your summer travel plans, it’s essential to stay financially vigilant to avoid falling victim to scams. The travel and events sector is especially susceptible to fraud, with scammers savvier than ever at separating travelers from their money.

Avoiding Lodging Scams

When booking a vacation rental, be cautious of fake listings or fake phone numbers posted to real listings. Scammers may pressure you into sending a deposit through peer-to-peer apps, and you might discover that the location is already booked, not available to rent, or doesn’t exist at all.

To avoid lodging scams, try to see properties in person if possible, read reviews from other travelers, and pay through the official platform. Most major property rental sites offer fraud guarantees, but only if you pay and communicate with the owners through the site.

Watch Out for Free Vacation Scams

Be wary of automated calls or texts offering free vacations or ‘vacation deals.’ These might be scams, especially if you’re asked to pay processing fees, taxes, or other costs to claim your ‘free’ trip. If you’ve won a legitimate contest or sweepstakes, you won’t be asked to send money to claim your prize.

The Federal Trade Commission is a good resource for information on recognizing legitimate versus fraudulent contests. Additionally, be cautious of charter flight or private flight deals that seem too good to be true, and verify the company’s legitimacy with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Protecting Yourself from Scams

When buying event tickets, use verified resale sites that handle transactions and guarantee authenticity. Be cautious of social media sellers, and never send money to unknown individuals. By being aware of these common travel scams, you can protect your vacation plans and enjoy a stress-free trip.

Original reporting: Sahan Journal — read the source article.