Planning a getaway to escape the cold? Be careful, scammers are targeting travelers with fake deals, dodgy bookings, and too-good-to-be-true offers. Here’s how to spot the traps and stay safe.

Common Types of Travel Scams

• Fake Vacation Rentals. Scammers post-holiday homes that aren’t real or aren’t available. These then disappear once they’ve received your deposit

• Timeshare Scams. You’re offered an amazing deal on a timeshare, but there’s a catch: big upfront fees for properties that may be misrepresented or nonexistent
• “Free” Vacation Offers. You’re told you’ve won a holiday—but to claim it, you need to pay taxes, fees, or processing costs. Spoiler alert: the “prize” often doesn’t exist
• Dodgy Travel Packages. Heavily discounted packages that require upfront payment, only for you to find the trip either doesn’t match what was promised—or doesn’t happen at all
• Fake Airline Tickets. Some scammers sell counterfeit tickets that leave victims stranded at the airport with no valid booking
• Phishing Emails. Fraudsters pose as trusted travel companies, sending links or attachments that install malware or trick you into handing over personal info

How Travel Scams Spread

Scammers are clever. They know where to find you and they’re using all the usual platforms:

• Fake travel websites or shady listings on legitimate booking sites
• Social media ads offering unbelievable deals
• Phishing emails pretending to be from airlines or travel agents
• Messaging apps where scammers build trust before asking for money

Red Flags to Watch Out For

• You get unsolicited offers for a holiday you didn’t even search for
• You’re asked to pay fees upfront
• The offer is vague, with little detail on the destination or itinerary
• The price seems too good to be true
• You’re being pressured to act quickly
• The communication feels off—poor grammar, wrong email addresses, or no way to verify the sender

How to Stay Safe

• Research the company: Check the official website, online reviews, and contact details
• Be cautious with cold offers: Treat any out-of-the-blue travel deal with suspicion
• Don’t pay upfront for bookings or admin fees
• Verify listings: Contact the company directly or book through reputable, well-known platforms
• Ask around: Run the deal by a friend or family member
• Report anything suspicious to the platform or authorities