If there’s a will to scam and spam, there’s a way! BBB is warning internet users of fraudulent travel sites looking to bilk customers out of their hard-earned vacation monies. The websites look, feel and act like the real thing. Customers should watch out for forged certificates of site security and too-good-to-be-true travel deals. Sites requiring travellers to wire money (and offering only that method of payment in today’s advanced digital age) spell trouble from a mile away. Users need to treat travel just as they would any other e-commerce category and be wary of sharing sensitive information without verifying the legitimacy of the business! When in doubt, stick with the tried and trusted players. The scammers are capitalizing on the boom in the travel business and the online user’s penchant for ferreting out the lowest prices and the best deals.
Check for
1) BBB’s online seal of reliability OR
2) Site security certification from trusted authorities (click on the seal and read the verification page to ensure that it matches the website)
3) Read the “About Us” information very carefully
4) Check the contact info, tel #s, email support, customer service.
5) Look for real customer testimonials/press releases and reviews.
6) Don’t buy until you have confirmed that the site is legit.