As winter approaches and holiday travel plans take center stage, winter wanderers must be on high alert for potential scams lurking in various forms. From deceptive emails to cunning calls and enticing social media posts, scammers are ramping up their efforts to exploit the joyous spirit of the season. Here’s how to navigate the winter wonderland of travel without falling prey to fraud.
Social Media
Social media, a hub for festive cheer, is also a breeding ground for travel scams. Criminals imitate well-known hotels and resorts online, but their sites include misleading information, such as fake hyperlinks and phone numbers. Eager holiday-goers may find themselves making payments for dream getaways that exist only in the virtual realm leaving them empty-handed and out of pocket.
Robocalls
Robocalls, often associated with automated holiday greetings, can also mask sinister intentions. If your phone rings with an automated message, especially regarding travel, the safest bet is to hang up promptly. Legitimate travel agencies steer clear of robocalls, making them a clear red flag for potential scams.
Allow your winter travel experiences to be filled with pleasure and amazement, rather of the traps of frauds. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and ensure your winter holidays are as magical as they should be.
Booking Sites
Before booking winter travel offers, diligent research on the company is essential. While reviews and ratings provide insights, individual needs differ. Beware of seemingly irresistible deals, such as complimentary airline tickets, as scammers use these as bait to hook unsuspecting victims.
Cancellation Policies
Protect your winter escapades by always securing a receipt and understanding cancellation policies before confirming any reservations. Having these policies in writing serves as a crucial record should disputes arise later.
Wi-Fi Connections
As snow blankets landscapes, scammers attempt to cover their tracks with fraudulent schemes. Regularly monitor your financial accounts for any suspicious activity. Embrace the convenience of online banking but do your best to steer clear of public Wi-Fi networks that could compromise your security. Because they are vulnerable, public Wi-Fi networks present a serious threat. Visit RCB Bank Online Banking Tools here.
Planning a winter getaway? Alert your bank in advance. Provide details about your destinations and travel dates to ensure smooth financial transactions without unexpected disruptions.
Should the unfortunate happen and you find yourself entangled in a travel scam, swift action is imperative. Contact our RCB Bank support team at 1.855.226.5722 on weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. CST. For weekend assistance, dial 1.877.361.0814 on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (excluding Federal Holidays). Additionally, contribute to combating fraud by filing a complaint with the FBI at ic3.gov.
Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the author and meant for generic illustration purposes only. RCB Bank, Member FDIC.
Sources:
wDiller, N. (2023, May 30). Booking travel online? here’s how you can avoid scams. USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/2023/05/30/how-to-avoid-online-travel-booking-scams/70262016007/
Rayo, A. (2023, December 8). Stay scam free, no matter how Far away you roam. Consumer Advice. https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/11/stay-scam-free-no-matter-how-far-away-you-roam
