06/03/2026
Vacation Season = Scam Season
Vacation Season = Scam Season
Summer travel season is here, and while many families are busy planning vacations, scammers are busy planning ways to steal money and personal information. Unfortunately, travel season creates the perfect opportunity for scams because people are booking hotels, ordering online, using mobile payment apps, and checking messages quickly while on the go.
Scammers are becoming more sophisticated and often create messages, websites, and listings that look very real. A few extra minutes of caution can help protect your finances and reduce stress during vacation season.
Common Summer Scams to Watch For:
Fake Vacation Rentals
Scammers copy photos from legitimate rental properties and repost them at extremely low prices to attract attention. They may pressure people to pay quickly using wire transfers, payment apps, or gift cards. Always book through trusted websites and avoid payments outside official platforms.
Text Message Scams
Fake text messages claiming unpaid toll charges, package delivery problems, suspicious bank activity, or account issues are extremely common right now. These messages often create urgency and encourage you to click links immediately. Instead of clicking the message link, go directly to the official website or contact the company yourself.
QR Code Scams
QR codes are everywhere now — restaurants, parking meters, travel brochures, and advertisements. Criminals sometimes place fake QR codes over legitimate ones, leading users to fraudulent websites that collect passwords or payment information.
Public Wi-Fi Risks
Free Wi-Fi at airports, hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions may not always be secure. Avoid logging into bank accounts or entering sensitive information while connected to public networks unless using a secure connection.
Fake Event & Attraction Tickets
Summer concerts, sporting events, fairs, and attractions often attract ticket scams. Be cautious when purchasing from unfamiliar websites or social media sellers.
Smart Ways to Protect Yourself
✔️ Book travel and lodging through trusted websites
✔️ Use credit cards instead of debit cards when possible for added fraud protection
✔️ Never pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers
✔️ Avoid clicking suspicious links in texts or emails
✔️ Double-check website addresses for misspellings or unusual wording
✔️ Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication on important accounts
✔️ Talk with family members — especially older adults and teens — about common scams
Scammers often rely on panic, excitement, urgency, or distraction. Slowing down and verifying information before responding can prevent costly mistakes.
A safe vacation starts with smart choices before you even leave home!
Sources:
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
AARP Fraud Watch Network
