Vacation Scams: What To Watch For
Planning a getaway should be exciting - but scammers are always looking for ways to take advantage of travelers. From fake rental listings to fraudulent travel agents, vacation scams can lead to lost money, stolen personal information and ruined travel plans. Knowing what to watch for can help you book your trip with confidence.
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Prefer to watch instead?
Check out our video version of this topic on the CoastHills YouTube channel.
Common Vacation Scams
- Fake Vacation Rentals: Scammers post listings for rental properties that don't exist or aren't actually available. They often use stolen photos and ask for upfront payments through wire transfers or peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo, making it nearly impossible to get your money back.
- Phony Travel Agencies: Some fraudsters pose as travel agents or tour operators, offering too-good-to-be-true deals on flights, hotels, or vacation packages. After you pay, you may find that your booking was never made, leaving you stranded or out of pocket.
- Timeshare and Vacation Club Fraud: High-pressure sales tactics can lead travelers to pay for timeshares or vacation clubs with hidden fees or little actual value. In some cases, scammers claim to offer timeshare resale services but disappear after collecting an upfront fee.
How to Protect Yourself
- Research Before You Book: Look up rental properties, travel agencies and vacation deals through independent reviews and official websites. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Verify Rental Listings: Avoid listings that demand payment through wire transfers or gift cards. If possible, book through reputable vacation rental platforms that offer payment protection.
- Confirm Travel Agent Credentials: If using a travel agent, verify their legitimacy through reviews, industry certifications, or organizations like the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA).
- Be Cautious with Upfront Payments: Be wary of any vacation deal that requires large deposits or full payment upfront, especially if they pressure you to act quickly.
Taking the time to research your travel plans, verify bookings and use reputable sources can help ensure that your dream vacation goes smoothly - rather than becoming a costly and frustrating experience due to scams.
If you think you might have inadvertently shared your personal information with a scammer, please contact us as soon as possible. You can call us at (805) 733-7600, or visit our Fraud Protection page and complete the form.