Rockford BBB Issues A Warning About Spring Break Travel Scams

We're not even close to being through with winter, but it feels like it's been going on forever at this point. It's okay to admit that you're looking forward to a well-earned break from the cold and ice, and making your plans to do just that sounds like a good idea.

However...

The Rockford Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning travelers to slow down and do their homework before booking that dream getaway.

Travel experts are predicting a surge in spending this spring, with more people opting for bucket-list trips, adventure travel, and international destinations. But with bigger travel budgets comes bigger opportunity for scammers.

Dennis Horton, Senior Director of the Rockford BBB,  says that heightened demand for premium vacations has created prime conditions for fraud:

Given the increased expense of these vacations, caution is the key word. Consumers who do not do their due diligence when making their spring break travel plans and finalizing payments can end up falling directly into the hands of con artists.

Scammers Are Definitely Looking For People Who Search Online For Vacation Deals

They're increasingly targeting people searching online for vacation rentals, all-inclusive packages, and airline deals. Fraudulent third-party booking sites, fake vacation rental listings, and sham travel agencies are all part of the mix. Scammers monitor online trends and then dangle eye-catching (but completely phony) deals in front of eager travelers.

So far this year, 159 travel, vacation, and timeshare-related scam reports have been filed in BBB ScamTracker, costing consumers nearly $55,000. Nationwide, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that in 2023 alone, 55,000 travel scam complaints led to more than $122 million in losses.

The most commonly reported travel scams include:

• Vacation rental cons that pressure travelers into paying upfront

• “Free” vacation offers loaded with hidden fees

• Fake hotel front desk calls or fraudulent Wi-Fi networks

• Third-party booking site scams requesting personal information after payment

• Timeshare resale schemes demanding upfront fees

Your Best Defense Is Planning Ahead For Your Trip Properly

Dennis Horton, Rockford BBB:

It all begins with planning, so you are not rushing to make last-minute arrangements. When you are in a hurry and may not have the time to verify you are booking with a legitimate location or business, that puts the scammer in the driver’s seat.

The BBB advises getting all trip details in writing, avoiding wire transfers or prepaid debit cards, being skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, and verifying businesses and reviews through BBB.org before paying.

With Spring Break around the corner, the message from Rockford’s BBB is simple: a little extra caution now can keep your getaway from turning into a financial headache later.