Travel Scams 2

We’re nearing a busy vacation and travel season and scammers know people are looking for bargains. ScamBusters have some tips to keep you safe and we’ll mention 3 of them here.

1. If you receive a travel deal by e-mail, it’s most certainly a scam. Most bulk e-mail travel offers or free vacations are scams. If you receive the offer by phone, be skeptical. If you’re not personally familiar with company, get the name, address and local telephone number. (Scam example: Our family has received phone calls offering us a great WestJet travel bargain because we have been such loyal customers. It’s a scam because we have never flown on WestJet.)

2. “If it sounds too good to be true …..” It’s likely a scam. Listen for the details or read the fine print. In many of these scams, the air fare may be free, but there could be a clause that states you must stay in specific accommodations. Public contests and lotteries have rules and regulations and you usually have to “enter” to win. Always get more details – it shouldn’t cost anything to get your prize.

3. Never give your credit card number over the phone unless you made the call and you know the company is reputable. You should never have to give additional information such as banking information or Social Insurance Number.