As the weather warms up for summer, so are the travel scammers. Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it’s probably because the fine print you forgot to read was written in chicken scratch.
Recently, a fake Delta promotion promising $1,000 flight credits to women over 40 has been circulating on social media. Unfortunately, it’s not a real Delta promotion; but a ploy to collect travelers’ personal and sensitive information.
These tips can help you remain vigilant against travel scams:
- To ensure legitimacy, check the airline’s official website for advertised promotions; if the sale is not listed there, it is likely not affiliated with the airline.
- Refrain from sharing personal and bank information when booking a flight, and use verified third-party platforms such as Expedia or Priceline.
- Find flight deals on reputable travel websites like Dollar Flight Club to help you save on your next domestic or international flights.
- Beware of urgent messages for flight sales and take time to verify the deal with the airline or a trusted source.
- Gift cards are commonly used by scammers to receive untraceable payments, and it’s difficult to get your money back once sent. Any promotion or deal that requests payment in the form of gift cards is likely a scam.
Before you book your next summer getaway, be sure to read the fine print and double-check those chicken scratch terms and conditions. Happy travels, and may the travel scammers be unsuccessful!
by travelers, for travelers.
