Booking a hotel online is quick and convenient, especially when planning a trip. But that convenience can also make it easier for scammers to take advantage of travelers.
Each year, many consumers report losing money to hotel booking scams. Many of these scams involve fake or misleading websites that appear to be legitimate hotel pages. A careful approach can help you avoid problems and protect your information.
Know how hotel booking scams work
One common scam starts with an online search for a hotel. Among the top results, you may see what looks like the official hotel website or a trusted booking service.
The site may include professional photos, familiar branding and reasonable pricing. But after you enter your payment information, you may find unexpected charges, higher rates or even no reservation at all.
In many cases, these websites are not affiliated with the hotel. They are third-party sites designed to collect your money or personal information.
Always double-check the website
Before entering payment details, confirm that you are on the hotel’s official website or a trusted booking platform. Scammers often create lookalike websites that closely resemble real ones.
Take a moment to review the web address carefully. Small differences in spelling or formatting can signal a fake site. It is also important to make sure the website is secure. Look for “https” in the URL and a padlock symbol in the browser before proceeding.
Be cautious of search results and ads
Just because a website appears at the top of your search results does not mean it is legitimate. Scammers can pay for ads that place fake sites in prominent positions.
Avoid clicking on unfamiliar links without verifying the source. When possible, go directly to the hotel’s official website or use a trusted travel service.
Watch for red flags in communication
Scammers often use tactics that create urgency or confusion. You may see unusual payment requests, such as wire transfers or prepaid cards, which are difficult to trace.
Poor grammar, spelling errors or vague details can also be warning signs. Legitimate businesses typically communicate clearly and professionally.
Contact the hotel directly
If you are unsure about a booking, contact the hotel directly using a verified phone number. This can help confirm whether the reservation is legitimate and ensure you are getting accurate information.
Research before you book
If you are using a booking site you are not familiar with, take time to research it at BBB.org. Look for reviews, check for complaints and confirm that the business is legitimate.
Seeking feedback from other consumers can provide helpful insights and alert you to potential issues.
Review cancellation policies carefully
Before completing your reservation, review the cancellation policy. Some scam sites may not clearly explain refund options or may make it difficult to cancel.
Understanding the terms ahead of time can help you avoid surprises if your plans change. Clear policies are a sign of a trustworthy business.
Take your time when booking
Scammers often rely on urgency to pressure people into quick decisions. Limited time deals and “only a few rooms left” messages can make you feel rushed. A few extra minutes can help you confirm that the offer is legitimate.
Travel with confidence
Booking a hotel should be a simple part of planning your trip. By staying alert, verifying websites and taking time to research, you can reduce your risk and protect your travel plans. A careful approach helps ensure your trip starts on the right foot.
For more information, visit BBB.org. BBB’s business directory features profiles with verified reviews and complaint history to help you find trustworthy businesses. You can also file a complaint or submit a customer review. Visit BBB Scam Tracker to research or report scams.
To learn more about how to avoid common scams, visit BBB.org/AvoidScams. If you or a loved one has encountered a scam, whether you’ve lost money or not, report it at BBB.org/ScamTracker.
Jan Diaz is the President/CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Northern Indiana, which serves 23 counties. Contact the BBB at 800-552-4631 or visit BBB.org.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Don’t get scammed when booking your next hotel stay
Reporting by Jan Diaz, Guest columnist / South Bend Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jan Diaz, Guest columnist | USA TODAY Network
