Sun, Sand, and Scams: How to Spot and Avoid Summer Scams

Summer is here, which means the sun is out but so too are the scammers. As you are planning your next summer vacation, there are a few things you need to keep in mind as to avoid the scammers. They come in all manner of shapes and sizes all ready to take a piece of your wallet. From booking scams to impersonators trying to dupe you into thinking they are legit, scams this summer threaten to disrupt much anticipated holidays. 

Here is everything you need to know about the most common scams this summer and how best to protect yourself and your hard-earned money. 

Holiday Scams

Summer is the one time people look forward to the most as it means you can take your much-needed break. However, scammers are taking advantage by either cloning booking websites such as Airbnb or Booking.com or posting fraudulent listings.

For instance, Which? reports that earlier this year, a group from Birmingham traveling to Belgium was shocked to find tenants occupying a house they had rented on Airbnb. Though respectable booking sites have strong security measures, there are still one or two scammers who slip through the fingers.

Other than that, scammers are also cloning popular booking websites and impersonating them to steal sensitive information and ultimately steal from customers. If you enter your sensitive details there, they will most likely steal your personal and financial details. 

Even if you book on legitimate booking sites, you still need to be careful as scammers are known to hack hotel systems and email their guests.

Source: Reddit

Another user reached out for help saying:

Dear,

I recently booked a hotel in Spain via Booking.com. 

Later that day, I received an email purporting to be from the hotel. It said that due to new security regulations, it was no longer legal to hold credit card information without consent. It said, therefore, that I needed to confirm my details via a link. I clicked on the link and provided the information requested.

Around three weeks later, I received an email from Booking.com asking if I had received a suspicious email or phone call since making a booking and if I had clicked on any links.

I have now canceled my credit card, and hope to hear no more about it. But it would be useful to know what happened. 

Could you assist?

Turns out, the hotel was hacked, and users were contacted to give out their financial details. When you get such messages, be cautious to provide any sensitive information especially when they provide a suspicious link.

Here are a few tips to keep you safe:

• Got a sketchy message asking for clicks or bank details? Don't take the bait! Call the provider using the number on their official website.
• If you booked through a site like Booking.com, let them know about the fishy message so they can reel it in.
• Shared your bank info by mistake? Freeze your card with your banking app ASAP and give your bank a heads-up.
• Keep an eagle eye on your credit report to catch any sneaky activity trying to slip through.

Other Common Vacation Scams

You may be forgiven for thinking that’s all there is to know about travel scams. However, there are so many other types of scams out there. Here is a sneak peak;

Requests for off-site payments

Beware if someone asks you to make a payment outside the usual platform. This is a major red flag because it removes the protection and guarantees the platform offers. Once you send money outside the secure payment system, it's tough to get it back from scammers.

Source: Reddit

Watch out for High-Pressure Tactics

One of the ways you can recognize a scam is how urgently they require you to take action. The more they pressure you, the more it's likely to be a scam. There is no legit booking site, no matter how well their website is organized that will give you an ultimatum for taking action, it's most likely going to be a scam.

Source: Reddit

Hijacked Advertisements

Some scammers don't bother creating fake listings; instead, they hijack real ones. They alter the original ad's contact details with their own email address or phone number. You might see a seemingly legitimate rental property ad, but the link leads you to a fake site. Believing you're getting a great deal, you pay for the rental, only for the scammer to pocket your money and capture your credit card details.

In any case, the goal is to convince you that you're securing a real rental, while in reality, you're handing over your money and personal information to a scammer.

Dubious Emails

Watch out for emails promising the world or claiming booking blunders. They might seem legit but don't fall for their tricks. Check the sender and content for fishy signs like typos, urgency, or odd requests. If a link smells off, steer clear.

After booking on a reputable site, you'll get a confirmation email. So, if a strange email comes later asking for more info or crying foul on a payment, pause. Instead of taking the bait, ring up the hotel or booking company directly to sniff out the truth before sharing any details.

How to Avoid Summer and Holiday Scams

With many different and ever-evolving holiday scams, you need to be at the top of your game to avoid losing money and sensitive information to scammers. Here are some ways you can protect yourself;

Stick to The Script

When booking through reputable platforms, keep all communication and payments within their ecosystem. Any request to switch platforms or divert payments elsewhere should set off alarms.

Double-check Those Addresses

Cloned websites can mimic the real deal, but the web address won't match. Scrutinize URLs closely to spot the difference.

Don’t Take the Clickbait

Resist the urge to click on links in suspicious emails or texts claiming to be from holiday booking sites. Instead, go directly to verified websites to scout for deals.

Plastic power

Opt for debit or credit card payments for added protection. They offer chargeback or Section 75 coverage if things go south. Steer clear of bank transfers or less secure methods to keep your money safe.

Bottom Line: Protect Your Summer Fun from Scammers

As the sun beckons you toward summer adventures, don't let scammers cast a shadow over your plans. From hijacked ads to dodgy emails, the vacation landscape is littered with traps waiting to snag the unwary. But armed with vigilance and a few savvy strategies, you can navigate the season's scams unscathed. Remember, stick to trusted platforms, verify web addresses, resist suspicious links, and wield your plastic power wisely. With these precautions, your summer memories will be filled with sun, sand, and security.

Source: Unsplash.com