How to avoid travel scams - tips from TDS
Across the country, this winter has been harsh. Nearly every U.S. state has been impacted by the extreme weather. With spring break just around the corner, Americans are ready to escape the winter weather. With the increased volume in travel, many websites have deals and promotions. While you may be eager to book that cheap hotel room or flight, don’t be fooled by scammers.
According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association, 23 percent of consumers report being misled by third-party traveler resellers on the phone or online. This leads to a loss of money and chaos for consumers.
To avoid falling victim to a travel scam, TDS Telecom offers these five tips:
1. Research. Quickly, you can use Google to research the third-party site you are using. Search for the site’s name and words like “scam,” “complaint,” and “review” to see if other consumers have been tricked by this site.
2. Call to confirm. Call the airline or hotel to confirm your reservation. There may be an issue if they do not have a record of your booking.
3. Double check the URL. Before clicking on a link, carefully check to make sure there are no misspellings, extra letters, and make sure the site URL begins with https://.
4. Pay with a credit card. Booking accommodations with cash or check can leave you unable to prove the purchase or receive any help from customer service, like you would if you paid by credit card. If you fall victim to a scam, you can file a report and dispute the charges through your credit card company.
5. Use accredited apps. Consider using accredited apps like Hopper, Airbnb, HotelTonight, Kayak for deals. These apps have 5-star ratings, plenty of reviews, and come recommended by many.
In order to make you trip planning more enjoyable, use the best travel apps and your instincts to book accommodations. If you are unsure about a website or deal on a hotel or flight, do not book it. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Do your research, then book it and get ready to relax.
For more information on travel scams, or more tips to keep you safe, use trusted resources like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or AARP.
