Avoid Travel Scams With These Tips When You Make Plans for Your Next Getaway or Quick Trip
Nothing can ruin a vacation faster than falling for a scam or realizing that you're on the wrong end of a bad business deal
The summer travel season is almost here, meaning many families in North Carolina are gearing up to hit the road for the unofficial start of summer. Nothing ruins a getaway faster than falling for a scam or being stuck with a substandard experience. Before finalizing any travel plans, follow these tips to protect your money and peace of mind.
Read the Fine Print
Before signing any vouchers or agreements, read every clause carefully. Contract terms often hide cancellation fees, change penalties and nonrefundable deposits. Take time to understand what you’re committing to, once signed, it’s typically too late to back out without cost. Look specifically for cancellation windows, credit expiry dates and blackout periods.
Get Everything in Writing
Verbal promises hold little weight in a dispute. Insist that airlines, tour operators and rental hosts confirm all details in writing, including flight itineraries, room rates, taxes, resort fees and add‑ons like resort credits. Save all emails, booking confirmations and receipts in a dedicated folder, either printed or digital.
Don’t Pay Until You Have Confirmation
Never wire a deposit or pay by cash before receiving a written reservation confirmation. Scammers often solicit deposits with phony availability claims. Only make payments after you see an official booking number or voucher. If a vendor pressures you to pay before issuing confirmation, walk away.
Verify Coupons or Vouchers
Deal sites and discount providers can be legitimate, but bad actors clone websites and mailers to trick consumers. Before applying any coupon code or voucher, visit the hotel’s or airline’s official website and confirm the promotion. Call customer service on a verified number if you’re in doubt. Treat third‑party vouchers like Groupon: confirm participating partners directly.
Don’t Pay With Cash
Cash offers no recourse if a booking falls through. Use credit cards, preferably cards with travel protection and chargeback rights—to pay for flights, hotels and tours. Credit card issuers can reverse unauthorized charges and may cover lost deposits under travel protection policies. Beware vendors offering steep cash discounts—they may be avoiding legitimate payment channels.
Check for Complaints Before You Book
Before dealing with any travel provider, check for complaints with the North Carolina Department of Justice's Consumer Protection Division at 1‑877‑566‑7226 or online at ncdoj.gov/complaints. Search the Better Business Bureau and read reviews on trusted sites like TripAdvisor. Take both positive and negative feedback into account and look for patterns of unresolved issues.
Be Wary of Timeshares and Vacation Presentations
Timeshare presentations often promise freebies but can turn into high-pressure sales pitches. Avoid offers that require signing up for a presentation to get discounted rates or free perks. If you attend, set a firm time limit and don’t be pressured into on-the-spot decisions.
Use Licensed North Carolina Travel Agents
North Carolina does not require state licensing for travel agents, but professional accreditation, like ARC (Airlines Reporting Corporation) or IATA (International Air Transport Association)—ensures higher standards. Ask your agent for credentials and verify memberships directly. Accredited agents have access to consolidated travel data and offer better dispute resolution support.
Carry Travel Insurance
Consider a comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies and baggage loss. Compare plans through the North Carolina Department of Insurance’s consumer portal at ncdoi.gov. Understand coverage limits, exclusions for preexisting conditions, and claim procedures before purchasing.
Secure Your Devices and Data
Avoid using public Wi‑Fi for booking or financial transactions. Use a personal hotspot or a VPN to encrypt your connection. Keep your phone’s roaming data settings in check to avoid surprise charges. Enable two‑factor authentication on airline, hotel and travel app accounts to prevent unauthorized access.
Filing Complaints
If you suspect a scam or experience deceptive practices, file a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Division and the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Prompt reporting can help shut down scams and protect fellow travelers.