NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Summer is fast approaching and families are making travel plans and getting ready to take as many vacations as they can.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) expects profits to increase by more than $25 billion.
However, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) ​​has received multiple reports of fraudulent flight cancellations targeting travelers.
How the scam works:
When searching for budget-friendly flights, you might find some incredible deals offered by popular airlines like Delta Airlines, American Airlines, etc. Once you have made your reservation, you can proceed to book your flight on the website or by calling customer support.
You will receive calls to confirm your booking, with prices increased, unexpected fees, extra charges, etc. The company will use this to scam you out of more money.
“Scammers are stealing dreams with deceptive schemes, turning the joy of travel into a nightmare for unsuspecting consumers,” said Robin Householder, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky.
Make sure you book through a trusted booking site.
When planning your next vacation, make sure you read this website carefully to avoid losing money and missing out on a vacation.
Tips to avoid travel scams:
Research companies: Before engaging with unfamiliar companies, check out reviews and customer feedback on BBB.org. For added security, choose travel companies that are accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Verify flight details: Double-check your flight information before contacting support. Scammers distribute fake airline cancellation emails and texts that resemble genuine communications. Before contacting customer service, make sure your details, such as flight numbers and reservation numbers, are accurate. Authenticate website URLs: Be careful when entering personal or payment information online. Verify the legitimacy and security of a website before proceeding with a transaction. For more guidance, visit BBB.org/BBBSecure. Beware of third-party websites: Be wary of websites that don't have a valid customer service contact, have grammatical errors, or have a suspicious address. Use a credit card for online purchases: Utilize a credit card for online transactions because, unlike other payment methods, it provides you with a means to dispute fraudulent charges.
For more information: Visit BBB.org/Travel for comprehensive travel scam safety guidelines. Victims of air or travel-related scams are encouraged to report their experience at BBB.org/ScamTracker to help prevent future victimization.
