Don’t Let a Travel Scam Crash Your Vacation

Bags are packed, tickets are booked, and the countdown is on. But there’s one thing that could derail it all, and it doesn’t come from a flight delay or lost luggage.

Travel Scams Are on the Rise (And They’re Sneaky)

Every summer, scammers turn up the heat. Fake travel sites, bogus rental listings, and too-good-to-be-true flight deals are just a few of the traps out there. These scams aren’t just frustrating; they can be expensive, leaving members with drained accounts, stolen personal info, or vacations that never happen.

Red Flags to Watch For:

  • Unbelievable deals on luxury hotels or airfare
  • Requests for payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or P2P apps like Zelle or Venmo
  • Vague property details or no customer reviews
  • Being rushed to “book now or lose the deal”

How to Protect Your Trip and Your Wallet:

  • Book through trusted travel platforms
  • Use your credit card for added protection
  • Verify websites and URLs before making payments
  • Don’t click on links in unsolicited travel emails or texts

If You’ve Fallen Victim:

  • Contact your financial institution immediately to try to stop or reverse the payment.
  • Report the scam to local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  • Save all communication, payment receipts, and screenshots – these can help with investigations.

How EducaCU Can Help You?

Use tools like card controls (Card Campus), transaction alerts, and secure online banking to stay on top of your finances while you’re away: https://www.educacu.com/services/debit-card/ 

If you ever feel unsure about a travel-related charge or suspicious email, reach out to Educational Community Alliance Credit Union. We’re here to help protect what you’ve worked hard to save. Please visit the Identity Theft section on our website for more articles on common scams and how to prevent becoming a victim.

Stay safe, stay smart—and let Educational Community Alliance Credit Union help you stay on top of your finances.

Posted by Maggie Latham in Fraud & Scams.