Summer travel season is here—and unfortunately, so are the scammers.
Every year, millions of people lose money to fake vacation rentals, phishing emails, lookalike booking websites and deals that seem amazing but turn out to be completely bogus. Recent research suggests that about one in three Americans has encountered some form of travel scam.*
The good news? You don’t have to cancel your trip—you just need to know what to watch for.
Why Travel Scams Are So Effective
Scammers know exactly when to strike. When you’re planning a trip, you’re often moving quickly, juggling details and trying to lock in good prices before they disappear. That sense of urgency makes it easier to overlook red flags.
On top of that, fraudsters are getting more sophisticated. With AI tools, they can now create realistic websites, polished reviews and even convincing photos of properties that don’t exist. The old warning signs—like bad spelling or low-quality images—aren’t as reliable anymore.
That’s why understanding how these scams work is your best defense.
The Most Common Travel Scams Right Now
Fake Vacation Rentals
How it works:
Scammers steal real listing photos or create entirely fake properties, then post them on third-party sites. Once you send a deposit, they disappear.
Watch for:
- Requests to move communication or payment off the platform
- Prices that seem unusually low
- Vague or inconsistent answers from the “host”
Protect yourself:
Stick to well-known platforms and always pay through their official systems. Avoid wiring money or sending payment outside the app. It’s also smart to do a reverse image search on listing photos to see if they show up elsewhere.
“Free” Vacations and Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals
How it works:
You’re told you’ve won a free trip - maybe a cruise or resort getaway. All you need to do is pay a small fee. After that, the offer either disappears or turns into a high-pressure sales pitch.
Watch for:
- You don’t remember entering any contest
- The offer is expiring “right now”
- You’re asked for payment to claim a prize
Protect yourself:
If you didn’t enter, you didn’t win. Do a quick search of the company along with the word “scam” before taking action. Legitimate prizes don’t require upfront payments.
Fake Travel Sites and Imposter Booking Platforms
How it works:
Scammers build websites that look almost identical to trusted booking sites. They may even run ads so their fake site shows up in search results. You book a trip, get confirmation and later find out it’s all fake.
Watch for:
- Slightly altered URLs (extra letters, odd extensions)
- Missing “https://” before the website URL
- Prices that are far below what you’re seeing elsewhere
Protect yourself:
Type website addresses directly into your browser instead of clicking ads or links. Double-check the URL before entering payment information.
Phishing Emails and Texts
How it works:
You get a message that looks like it’s from your airline or hotel. It claims there’s a problem with your reservation and asks you to log in or update your payment details. The link leads to a fake site that steals your information.
Watch for:
- Sender addresses that don’t match the company
- Messages that create urgency or panic
- Suspicious links that don’t match the official website
Protect yourself:
Don’t click links in unexpected messages. Go directly to the company’s website or call their official number if something seems off.
What to Do if You’re Scammed
If it happens, don’t panic, and don’t feel embarrassed. These scams are designed to be convincing, and they affect millions of people every year. The most important thing is to act quickly.
Call your bank right away.
Use the number on the back of your card and report any suspicious charges as soon as possible.
Report the incident.
File a complaint with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov to help track and stop these scams.
Save everything.
Keep screenshots, emails, texts and payment confirmations. Having a clear record can help with disputes and investigations.
You’re Not Alone
Travel scams are getting more advanced, but you’re not powerless. A little awareness goes a long way.
Before your next trip, take a few minutes to review your account alerts and make sure your contact information is current. Those small steps can make a big difference if something unexpected happens while you’re away.
* "McAfee Research finds 1 in 3 Travelers Have Faced a Travel Scam as Rising Costs Create New Opportunities for Fraud." McAfee, May 19, 2026. Press release.