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5 cyber travel scams and how to avoid them

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, October 15th 2025 at 15:51 GMT by Seattle Times
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Cyber Travel Scams: Five Modern Threats and How to Stay Safe

The rise of online booking and digital travel services has made vacation planning more convenient than ever. Yet, it has also opened the door to a growing number of cyber scams that prey on unsuspecting travelers. A recent piece in the Seattle Times – “5 Cyber Travel Scams and How to Avoid Them” – lays out the most common tactics and offers practical strategies to keep your trip and wallet protected. Below is a comprehensive summary of the article’s key points, supplemented by additional information from reputable sources linked within the original story.

1. “Phantom” Booking Sites

What the scam looks like:
Fraudulent websites mimic popular booking platforms such as Booking.com, Expedia, or Airbnb. They display attractive prices and instant confirmation emails that seem legitimate. Once a traveler books, the site may disappear, or the reservation never appears in the official platform’s system.

Real‑world example:
A traveler used a “cheap‑hotel.com” site, paid via a direct wire transfer, and later found that the hotel never existed. The seller had vanished with the money.

How to avoid it:
- Check the domain: Official sites always end with a trusted TLD (e.g., .com, .net) and usually include a lock icon indicating SSL encryption.
- Verify with the official platform: Search for the hotel on the main site and confirm that the booking number matches.
- Use credit cards: Credit card issuers offer fraud protection and can reverse charges if a site turns out to be fake.
- Read reviews: A lack of reviews or generic, overly positive comments can be a red flag.

Supporting link:
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s travel‑fraud page (https://www.ftc.gov/consumer-guides/travel-fraud) recommends using only verified booking engines and double‑checking reservation details directly with the property.

2. “Price‑Pump” Scams During Check‑In

What the scam looks like:
At the hotel front desk, a clerk may claim that the reservation was made through a “special partner” and that a “hidden fee” must be paid. Travelers are presented with a credit‑card swipe and an invoice that shows a charge far exceeding the amount they originally paid online.

Real‑world example:
A tourist arriving at a luxury resort was told a “security deposit” was required. The clerk provided a separate receipt for a $500 fee that had never been advertised.

How to avoid it:
- Print the booking confirmation: Keep a copy of the official confirmation email or PDF.
- Ask for a detailed invoice: Legitimate hotels will provide an itemized list of charges.
- Never sign the back of a receipt: In many jurisdictions, a signed receipt is required for a charge to be legitimate.
- Use a travel‑insurance provider: Some plans (e.g., American Express Travel Insurance) cover disputes over unexpected fees.

Supporting link:
Consumer Reports’ guide on “Hotel Scams” (https://www.consumerreports.org/hotel-scams) outlines additional red flags such as staff that insist on using a particular payment app.

3. Phishing Emails Promising “Refunds”

What the scam looks like:
After booking a flight or hotel, travelers receive an email from a seemingly legitimate source offering a refund for a “recent fare adjustment” or a “technical error.” The email contains a link that directs to a fake login page designed to capture login credentials or credit‑card numbers.

Real‑world example:
A frequent flyer received an email that appeared to come from United Airlines, asking to verify account details for a $150 refund. When the traveler entered his login information, it was forwarded to a fraudster.

How to avoid it:
- Verify the sender’s email address: Check that it matches the official domain (e.g., @united.com).
- Do not click links: Instead, go directly to the airline’s website or the travel agency’s portal.
- Use two‑factor authentication (2FA): Many airlines now support 2FA, adding an extra layer of security.
- Report suspicious emails: Forward them to the airline’s fraud‑reporting address.

Supporting link:
The FTC’s advice on email scams (https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams) emphasizes checking for generic greetings like “Dear Customer” and misspellings.

4. “Too Good to Be True” Travel Insurance Offers

What the scam looks like:
Scammers advertise free or extremely discounted travel insurance on third‑party sites or through social‑media influencers. They may promise coverage for trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage – all at a fraction of the normal price.

Real‑world example:
A student booked a cheap tour in Thailand after seeing a TikTok influencer’s claim that the trip was covered for free by a “secret partnership” with a travel‑insurance company. The student later learned that the insurance never existed.

How to avoid it:
- Purchase insurance directly from reputable providers: Major airlines, credit‑card companies, and dedicated insurers (e.g., Allianz, Travel Guard) are safer.
- Check the policy number: Legitimate policies will have a unique, verifiable number.
- Look for independent reviews: Third‑party review sites often flag scams.
- Ask for a copy of the policy in writing: If it’s offered for free, there should still be a formal agreement.

Supporting link:
American Express’s travel‑insurance portal (https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/travel/) explains coverage options and how to file a claim, providing a benchmark for legitimate offers.

5. Rental‑Car “Deposit” Scams

What the scam looks like:
A rental‑car agency may demand a “special deposit” or “security fee” at the counter, often citing a corporate policy. The traveler pays via a credit‑card or cash, and the agency then fails to return the amount or uses it to cover unrelated costs.

Real‑world example:
A traveler at a rental‑car center in Los Angeles was asked for an additional $300 deposit, which was never refunded after the rental period ended. The agency claimed it was a “credit‑card pre‑authorization” that would be released automatically.

How to avoid it:
- Know the standard deposit policy: Major chains typically pre‑authorize a fixed amount (e.g., $400) that will be released upon return.
- Keep a receipt: Document the amount paid and the date.
- Use a credit card with strong dispute rights: Disputes can be filed if the deposit is not returned within 30 days.
- Check the company’s privacy policy: Legitimate firms will list how they handle deposits and disputes.

Supporting link:
Consumer Affairs’ “Rental‑Car Deposit Scams” article (https://www.consumeraffairs.com/rental-car-deposit) details how to verify legitimate deposit amounts and outlines consumer rights.

Key Takeaways

1. Verify every booking through official channels. Even if a deal looks too good to be true, confirm it with the platform’s support line.
2. Keep a paper trail: Save all confirmation emails, receipts, and policy documents.
3. Use secure payment methods: Credit cards provide dispute resolution, while debit cards do not.
4. Educate yourself on the common red flags before you travel.
5. Stay alert to phishing attempts by checking email addresses and avoiding links.

By staying informed and following these practical steps, travelers can enjoy their journeys with confidence, knowing they’ve taken the necessary precautions against the most prevalent cyber travel scams.