The Let ABC15 Know team warns and educates consumers about scams year-round, but some scams pop up more depending on the season.
Here are four summer scams consumers should look out for:
- Scam summer event and concert tickets. Scammers may try to lure victims through fake websites, social media posts, or emails and texts offering discounted tickets. Consumers are asked to pay for the tickets upfront, often through peer-to-peer payment apps. When you hit send, your money is gone but the tickets never materialize and the seller disappears.
- Phony travel websites. Fraudsters may create imposter travel sites masquerading as legitimate sources. The sites often offer deals on flights, hotels, or travel packages but the deals don't exist in real life. The goal of the website is to get your payment and get your information! Big red flags are if a website asks for a non-traditional payment or is high-pressure stating you need to book now.
- Vanishing vacation rentals. Sites like AirBnB and VRBO are immensely popular. Scammers know that and may try to cash in. Crooks may offer up properties on legitimate websites, but the properties either don't exist or don't belong to them. By the time you get to the rental, your money is already gone. If a site redirects you to make your payment or requires a non-traditional payment method, that's a no-go.
- Fake vacation prizes. No, you didn't win a free vacation - sorry. Scammers may contact consumers saying they've won a free trip. The only catch is that you must pay a fee or pay to cover taxes to claim your prize. Don't do it.
So, what can consumers do to help protect themselves from scams?
- Verify websites before entering personal information. Does the URL seem off? Does it have extra or missing letters compared to the company name? It may not be authentic. Also, look for the padlock icon to confirm the site is secure.
- Book directly. If you can avoid third parties, do it. Booking directly from an official travel provider can also add protection if you need to change your reservation down the line.
- Pay with a credit card. Credit card purchases allow for more consumer protection and fraud disputes. Many peer-to-peer payment apps don't have these protections, so when you send the money it is gone for good.
- Research rental properties. Search your prospective rental property online to ensure it exists. Also, search online for the owner's name and property address to confirm the person renting the property has the right to do so.
- Trust your gut. It may be cliché, but if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If a situation feels off, trust that feeling and walk away.
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