Scams Could Turn Dream Vacation Into Nightmare

Before you plan your next weekend getaway remember that, even on vacation, you may not be able to “getaway” from scams. Here is a list of scams aimed specifically at hotel guests and vacation spots. Learn how to handle various scam scenarios to help avoid a vacation nightmare.

 

Scam: Front Desk Payment Scam

You arrive at your getaway location and check in at the front desk. But later that night you receive a call from the “front desk” telling you that your credit card was declined. You are asked to confirm your credit card number over the phone.

Flash forward to your monthly statement and you realize that the late night call wasn’t from the front desk at all, but rather a scammer has stolen money from your account.

How to handle it: Make all payments face-to-face

Providing credit card information to a hotel front desk, especially if you are already checked in, is almost always a bad idea. If you get a call from the front desk asking you to verify your credit card information, hang up and call the front desk directly. Better yet, go to the front desk to confirm your payment method in person.

 

Scam: Restaurant Take-Out Menus - Convenient Service or Credit Card Scam?

You find a local restaurant's menu in your hotel room and decide to place your order on your credit card. After patiently waiting for you food, you call again but no one answers. It turns out the restaurant doesn’t even exist and you have given your credit card information to a scam artist.

How to handle it: Do your research

The front desk is often prepared with a list of popular restaurants to recommend. Additionally, there are many popular mobile apps that you can check to make sure it exists and has good reviews .

 

Scam: Beach Front False Advertisement 

Say your ideal getaway is at a beachfront hotel: you envision seeing the sunrise from your bedroom window and hearing the waves crash from your balcony. But you arrive to your hotel only to find the view is far from what you had in mind.  Often, what is advertised as a beach front hotel may have a highway or strip mall obstructing your idyllic view.

How to handle it:  Read Reviews

Before booking your hotel, check out travel websites for reviews and photos from previous hotel guests who often share the pros and cons of the hotel location.

 

Scam: Public Wi-Fi May Leave You Vulnerable to Criminals

While on vacation, you access the free public Wi-Fi network at the hotel or local coffee shop. You sip on your latte and check your bank account balance, or do some online shopping. In some cases, scam artists have set up unsecured networks with similar names to the hotel or coffee shop, and your use of their wi-fi network might give them access to your personal and sensitive information.

How to handle it: Don't Overshare 

Do not use public Wi-Fi for bank accounts or other personal business. Scammers may be on the other end hacking into your account numbers and passwords. If you are in a hotel or other public space, use your personal cell data instead. For more information about this Wi-Fi scam and to sign up for the Fraud Watch Network, click here.