Rebecca's Travel Notes

I received a text this morning stating I owe a toll fee. I at once knew this was incorrect. I have not been traveling lately. Everyday, there is someone out there trying to get money through scams. Be careful. Avoiding travel scams involves being vigilant and following these tips:

1. Research Extensively: Research your destination, accommodations, and tour providers thoroughly. Use reputable websites and read reviews from multiple sources.
2. Verify Contact Information: Ensure the contact information provided by tour operators or accommodation providers is legitimate. Scammers often use fake numbers and emails.
3. Use Secure Websites: When booking flights, hotels, or tours online, make sure the website is secure. Look for “https://” and a padlock symbol in the address bar.
4. Beware of Deals That Are Too Good: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often lure travelers with unrealistically low prices.
5. Avoid Unusual Payment Methods: Be cautious of requests to pay via wire transfer, gift cards, or other non-traditional methods. Use credit cards for payments as they offer more protection.
6. Double-Check Reservations: After booking, confirm your reservations directly with the hotel or airline using contact information from their official website.
7. Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing sensitive information or making transactions over public Wi-Fi networks. These networks can be insecure. They can be monitored by scammers.
8. Keep Personal Information Private: Do not share personal information. Avoid sharing copies of your ID/passport unless absolutely necessary. Only share them with trusted entities.
9. Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off or suspicious during any part of the booking or travel process, trust your instincts. Investigate further before proceeding. Watch for texts from unverified numbers.
10. Stay Informed: Stay updated on common travel scams and tactics used by scammers. Use travel advisories, forums, and official travel websites.

By staying informed and cautious, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to travel scams. Once again, be careful and happy travels.