Think Before You Book: Travel Scammers Are Getting Smarter

Planning a summer getaway is exciting, whether it’s a beach escape or a long-awaited vacation abroad. But amid the excitement, it’s easy to overlook the warning signs scammers use to target your money and personal information.

With eye-catching travel deals on social media and the rise of AI, scams are becoming more convincing and harder to detect. A few smart habits can go a long way to protect your finances.

Here is a guide to help you travel with confidence.

When you’re planning and booking travel, a little diligence upfront can help avoid major headaches later.

• Watch out for fake search ads. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that scammers may place ads alongside legitimate hotels and airline listings, often displaying fraudulent phone numbers. Take a moment to confirm that you’re contacting the right company before sharing information.
• Verify your host. Double-check that the property address is real and consider calling the property or booking office directly before making a payment.
• Be cautious with travel documents. Scammers may charge for services that are free or sell invalid documents. The FTC advises sticking to official government sources for passports, visas, and permits.

How someone asks you to pay is one of the clearest warning signs of a scam.

• Be wary of these payment methods. The FTC warns that if the only acceptable payment method is a wire transfer, gift card, cryptocurrency, or payment apps to proceed with caution. Scammers prefer these methods because once the money is gone, it’s difficult to get back.
• Pay through official channels. Always book and pay through the platform you started with. Promising discounts if you pay elsewhere are often scams.
• Don’t let anyone rush you. Scammers rely on urgency. If you’re pressured to act quickly, take a step back.

Phishing isn’t a new scam, but with AI, it’s much more convincing.

• Be cautious with fake bookings. Emails, calls, or texts may appear to come from booking platforms, airlines, resorts, or even toll agencies, urging you to rebook travel on a separate website or make a payment again. Make sure these messages are valid before making a payment or taking action.
• Verify urgent calls for help. The U.S. Department of State reports that scammers frequently pose a friend or family member in distress. They commonly ask for money or personal details. Take a moment to confirm their identity before sending money.
• Be skeptical of steep discounts. According to the FTC, if a deal feels too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers will try to grab attention with attractive qualities like “free” perks or heavily discounted prices to lure travelers into bookings. Slow down and verify the details before you book.

Simple precautions can help keep your accounts and information secure while you travel.

• Watch for bank impersonation texts and calls. The FTC warns that scammers frequently pose as banks and other trusted organizations, often creating a sense of urgency to obtain account information or verification codes. If you receive an unexpected message while traveling, contact your bank directly before responding.
• Check card readers and ATMs. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) advises looking for signs of tampering, such as loose parts, a wobbly PIN pad, or anything that appears out of place, as these may indicate the machine has been compromised
• Check whether your financial institution recommends travel notifications and ensure your contact information is current, so you can quickly receive fraud alerts.
• Use caution on public WiFi. Avoid accessing banking, investment, or other sensitive accounts while connected to public networks. When possible, use your cellular connection or a trusted virtual private network (VPN) to help protect your information.
• Be careful when scanning QR codes. Fraudsters sometimes place fake QR codes over legitimate ones at airports, parking lots, restaurants, or tourist attractions. Before entering payment information or credentials, verify that the website is legitimate.

By staying alert and sticking to secure booking and payment practices, you can protect your finances and focus on enjoying your travels. If you are a WSFS Bank Client and have concerns about your account’s security or suspect fraudulent activity, contact our team at 888.973.7226 7 a.m.-7 p.m. ET (Monday to Friday) or 9 a.m.-3 p.m. ET (on weekends). You can also visit any of our banking offices to talk with an Associate directly.