Travel Tip: Watch Out for These Travel Scams that Look Like Deals

Image Credit: Stephanie Ervin

As we’re nearing summer, it’s time for this year’s parade of travel scams.

The first rule to avoid a travel scam is not to be lured by incredibly low pricing.

If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Then consider where the offer comes from. Do you know the seller?

Travel scams usually use name brands and recognizable logos to get your attention.

But they’re often using these without the company’s permission—or even knowledge.

Consider this scam that came across my desk recently.

It was a five-day, four-night vacation offer to Cancun, Hawaii, Jamaica, or the Bahamas.

It was only $149 per person.

The flyer showed the logos of Travelocity, Visa, MasterCard, Disney, and Universal Studios.

It said that kids could stay and eat for free. The rental car was even included. Really?

If you got tempted and called the toll-free number, here’s the real deal: it didn’t include airfare, which you had to book through them.

That would set you back $4,000 for a family of four.

So if you’re ever in doubt, call the companies mentioned in the flyer. I did.

Travelocity, Disney, and Universal had never heard of the deal.

Remember: if it looks too good to be true, it usually is.

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