Planning a Summer Vacation? Here are Tips to Keep Your Trip Safe From Scammers.

  • By Sikorsky Credit Union
  • May 13, 2025

With summer just around the corner, many of us are eagerly anticipating a well-deserved vacation — a chance to relax, recharge, and make lasting memories with loved ones. However, as you plan your perfect getaway, it’s important to be aware of the growing risk of vacation scams.

Unfortunately, scammers are preparing too. Fake travel deals, vacation booking scams, and misleading offers are on the rise. These fraudulent offers often promise luxurious getaways at unbeatable prices or “too-good-to-be-true” last-minute deals. Scammers may pose as trusted travel agents, create counterfeit websites, or send phishing emails that look like legitimate travel companies.

As you prepare for your vacation, here’s how you can protect yourself from falling victim to these scams:

1. Be Skeptical of Deep Discounts
While everyone loves a great deal, be cautious when you see offers that seem too good to be true. Scammers often lure travelers in with deep discounts or unrealistically low prices. If you’re asked to pay upfront via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, take it as a red flag. Reputable companies will never ask for payment in these ways.

2. Verify Before You Book
Before you make any travel commitments, always take a moment to verify the legitimacy of the booking site or travel agent. Look for reviews from other travelers, confirm the website’s credibility, and check whether the company is listed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). It’s worth the extra time to ensure you’re booking through a trustworthy source.

3. Book Through Trusted Sources
Stick to well-known travel platforms or work directly with reputable travel agencies. Major websites like Expedia, Booking.com, or official airline and hotel websites are typically safe to book through. If a deal is coming from an unknown source, do some research before proceeding.

4. Don’t Click on Suspicious Links
Phishing emails and text messages often contain malicious links designed to steal your personal information. Be wary of unsolicited messages, especially those that ask you to click on a link or provide sensitive details like credit card numbers. If you didn’t request the information, it’s best to ignore the message and delete it.

5. Watch for Fake Confirmations
After booking a trip, always double-check your reservation details with the official airline, hotel, or service provider. Scammers will often send fake booking confirmations to make their scam appear legitimate. Confirm your travel plans through the official contact methods to ensure everything is in order.

Stay Safe and Enjoy Your Vacation
Planning a summer trip should be exciting, but it’s important to stay vigilant against scams that can disrupt your plans. Taking a few extra moments to verify your bookings and staying cautious about deals that seem too good to be true can go a long way in keeping your vacation stress-free.

If you think you’ve been targeted by a scam, don’t hesitate to report it. Live chat with us or contact us at (203) 377-2252 – we're here to help. 

Remember, a little awareness now can save you from a lot of stress later. Enjoy your vacation to the fullest!