Whether you are traveling internationally, or taking your vacation in your own state, it pays to be vigilant. Scammers are always on the lookout for new ways to take advantage of consumers, and someone from another country is always a likely target, but even being from another state or county can lead to bogus offers and confidence games.
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Too Good To Be True
You know you want a good deal, but be careful to avoid letting your efforts to save cash drag you into travel scams. No one is going to give you something for nothing, and the more impossibly fantastic a deal appears to be, the more likely it will turn out to be false. -
Avoid High Pressure Sales
Any time someone tells you that they have the deal of the century but you will have to act immediately, the best idea is to shop elsewhere. High pressure sales techniques are a worldwide favorite way to separate wary shoppers from their more gullible counterparts. -
Research Before You Buy
You can avoid a majority of travel scams by being familiar with the local prices and customs. One important tactic is to make sure that the vendor has those tickets in hand before you pay for them. In all cases, research the deal and the seller before you sign anything on the dotted line. -
The Fine Print Matters
The headline may look especially promising, but take a few minutes to wade through the fine print before you commit your hard-earned money. Many times, a travel package may actually be offered at a great price, but the fine print requires you to take steps that would drive the final cost far above what you would pay through more conventional sources. -
Protect Sensitive Information
No matter where you go, protect your sensitive information carefully. This goes for any information that can be used to take advantage of you. Never give such information out to anyone who is not a verified vendor, and even then only give up a bare minimum. -
Beware of Hidden Charges and Fees
One of the most common travel scams is a free cruise that turns out to require you to pay fees or hidden charges. Before you agree to a travel package, find out what the total cost is going to be, not just the initial advertised price. -
Put Your Credit Card Company To Work For You
Pay for as many expenses as possible with a credit card when you are traveling or buying travel plans. That way, when the deal turns sour you will have a recourse to get your money back, and your credit card issuer can do the dirty work for you. -
Carry a Variety of Local Currency
When traveling overseas, try to keep a variety of local currency. A common scam is for a vendor or shop owner to claim they can’t make change for a large bill, hoping you will simply give up the change. -
Know When To Walk Away
If you have a bad feeling, or have been told troublesome things about the company, take heed. Even if you have already made an investment, it may be better to cut your losses than to keep investing more. -
Double Check Credentials
Know who you are dealing with. Be very careful about getting involved in travel plans with someone you do not know, such as a stranger’s good friend or relative. If you cannot verify who you are giving money to, the best advice is to not give them anything.
Before traveling to any locale, it's always a good idea to do your research. Nobody wants to get taken advantage of. Avoid scams by keeping these tips in mind!
Image Credits
Handshake Man by Flazingo Photos
Woody... by Wonderlane
Magnifycant by Lazurite
Key Foods by Axel Taferner
