NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — With summer approaching, families are making travel plans and preparing to take as much vacation time as possible.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) expects to exceed its profits by more than $25 billion.
However, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has received several reports of fraudulent flight cancellations targeting travelers.
How the scam works:
When searching for budget flights, customers can see amazing deals from well-known airlines like Delta, American, etc. You then proceed to book the flight via the website or over the phone via customer service once the booking is complete.
You will receive another call informing you that there has been a price increase, unexpected charges, or additional charges to confirm your reservation. Which they use to get more money from you.
“Scammers hijack dreams with their deceptive schemes, turning the joy of travel into a nightmare for unsuspecting consumers,” said Robyn Householder, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky.
Always make sure you book with a reputable establishment
website when planning your next vacation so you don't lose money and take a vacation.
Tips to Avoid Travel Scams:
- Research companies: Before engaging with unknown entities, check BBB.org for customer reviews and feedback. Opt for travel agencies accredited by the Better Business Bureau for added security.
- Check flight details: Check flight information before contacting support. Fraudsters distribute fake airline cancellation emails and text messages, often resembling genuine communications. Confirm details such as flight and reservation numbers are correct before contacting customer service.
- Authenticate website URLs: Be careful when entering personal and payment information online. Check websites for legitimacy and security before transacting. Visit BBB.org/BBBSecure for more tips.
- Be careful with third-party websites: Be wary of websites that lack valid customer service contacts, display grammatical errors, or have questionable addresses.
- Use credit cards for online purchases: Use credit cards for online transactions because they provide recourse to dispute fraudulent charges unlike alternative payment methods.
For More Information: For complete guidelines on protecting yourself from travel scams, visit BBB.org/Travel. Victims of airline ticket or travel scams are encouraged to report their experiences at BBB.org/ScamTracker, helping to prevent future victimization.
