Personal Insights

Don’t let a travel scam hijack your vacation

Before you book or board, take a few simple steps to protect your money and ease your travel concerns.

Key takeaways

1. Travel scams are increasing and getting more sophisticated.
2. Always verify before you book.
3. Watch for common red flags.
4. Use secure payment methods.
5. Taking a few precautions can prevent major losses.

Ready for that dream vacation? Let’s make sure this is a getaway that’s memorable for all the right reasons.

Whether you’re traveling a few hours or taking that overseas journey you’ve planned for years, just be aware that a little extra attention before you depart goes a long way.

Plan before traveling – especially overseas

Meet with your banker to discuss the trip long before you leave. Not the travel specifics, but about saving and budgeting, the currency exchange rates and fees that may be associated with your destination, what you’ll need to ensure online banking access, and more. You can set up spending limits and spending alerts.

Verify your phone number and email address through Online Banking. Enable international messaging on your phone to ensure you receive important communications from your bank. Also, input phone numbers to your contact list to call for help if problems occur while traveling.

One simple example to make things easier: by traveling with the credit card you used to book your trip, you can reduce potential red flags domestically or overseas (even if you don’t use the card for all payments).

Common travel scam red flags

Before you book a trip, you may see some deals that seem too good to be true – a luxury cruise, a beachfront rental or a once-in-a-lifetime getaway at an unbelievable price. Note that travel scams are becoming more sophisticated.

“The latest travel scams utilize illicit search engine optimization,” said Kimberly Reece, Enterprise Fraud Customer Advocacy Manager at Regions. “Because it’s online and looks reputable, people looking for a good deal can fall victim. They will also reach out directly, posing as customer service specialists. But the goal is the same: they want your information.”

That’s why recognizing what to watch for can help you avoid becoming a victim. Many scams share similar warning signs:

• Offers for “free” or heavily discounted vacations
• Listings with vague details or missing specifics
• Requests for payment via wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency or payment apps
• High-pressure tactics urging you to act quickly
• Luxury experiences advertised at unusually low prices

Scammers also use phishing emails, fake texts and phone calls — sometimes posing as booking agents or customer support.

How to avoid travel scams

1. Verify the details before you book

Don’t sign contracts or make payments until you fully understand the terms. Ask for written cancellation and refund policies – and walk away if they’re not provided.

Check that properties, hotels or agencies actually exist. Search the company name along with terms like “review,” “complaint” or “scam.” If possible, contact the property or resort directly to confirm the listing.

2. Research every company and listing

Do your homework before committing. Look for verified reviews, consistent contact information and a legitimate online presence.

For vacation rentals, confirm the address and compare listings across platforms. Scammers often duplicate photos or create fake listings that don’t match real properties.

3. Use safe, traceable payment methods

Avoid anyone who insists on payment methods that are difficult to trace or recover.

Never pay for travel with:

• Wire transfers
• Gift cards
• Cryptocurrency
• Unverified peer-to-peer payment apps

These payment methods are common in scams and offer little recourse if something goes wrong.

Why travel safety matters

“Travel safety is important because it helps travelers minimize risks and respond effectively to unexpected situations,” said Sarah Stickland, Enterprise Fraud Customer Advocacy Supervisor. “Following these and other safety tips will help ensure a memorable, enjoyable and worry-free travel experience.”

Taking a few extra steps before booking can help ensure your trip is memorable for the right reasons.

Smart travel starts with awareness

The vacation you want is out there. Just take a step back, do your research and protect your money so your trip stays a dream — not a costly mistake.

Take the next step

A Regions banker can help you develop a personalized Regions Greenprint® plan to save for your dream trip and also explain currency exchange rates and offer other financial travel tips. For instance, some credit card providers charge foreign transaction fees for use outside the U.S., but Regions does not. Find the Regions branch nearest you and learn more about Regions credit cards.