If you're ready to splurge on a “steal” for a spring break trip or another vacation, pause before you book, warns the Federal Trade Commission. It could be a scammer trying to steal your money.
The FTC provided several examples of how these scams work.
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“Free” vacations that require a fee first (meaning, of course, that they're not actually free).
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The email is about a low-cost travel package, but the organizer won't reveal the lodging or other details.
Not only can your dream vacation turn into a nightmare, the FTC says, but if you do pay, it will be difficult to get your money back.
How to avoid travel scams:
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Let's look into it a bit. Search the name of your travel company or agency for the words “scam,” “reviews,” or “complaints” to see what others are saying.
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Do not sign or pay until you know specific details. Ask for the exact address of the hotel or resort so you can do your own research. Also, obtain a copy of our cancellation and return policy before signing or paying.
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Do not pay with wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrencies. Dishonest travel package promoters will ask you to pay by any of these methods, which is a sure sign of a scam.
For more information, visit ftc.gov/TravelScams. Notice a scam? Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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