Whether you're planning a beach getaway, a family road trip, or a weekend escape, summer should be about making memories—not dealing with scammers. Unfortunately, this is one of the most active times for travel-related fraud. From fake vacation rentals to phishing emails disguised as booking confirmations, scammers know how to target travelers when they're most distracted.

At Ozark Federal Credit Union, we believe your summer should be carefree, safe, and scam-free. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you avoid common vacation fraud traps—and enjoy your trip with peace of mind.

1. Know the Top Vacation Scams to Watch For

Before you can protect yourself, it helps to know what you’re up against. Travel scammers use a wide range of tactics to separate you from your money or information, and they’re constantly evolving.

One of the most common schemes involves fake vacation rental listings—properties that don’t exist, are already rented, or aren’t owned by the person advertising them. Scammers often copy photos from real listings and offer an irresistible rate to get your attention.

You may also run into phony booking websites designed to look just like the real thing. These sites lure you in with convincing branding, only to steal your credit card details or charge you for a reservation that never materializes.

Then there are the classic too-good-to-be-true offers: “free trips,” sweepstakes wins, or vacation packages that require you to pay mysterious “fees” upfront. Many of these are nothing more than phishing attempts wrapped in an exciting offer.

Stay alert for:

• Fake vacation rental listings with copied photos
• Fraudulent booking sites mimicking trusted brands
• Suspiciously low-cost travel offers or contests
• QR codes posted in public that link to phishing sites

Remember: if something feels off, take a step back. A few extra minutes of research can protect your plans and your wallet.

2. Spot the Red Flags: How to Identify a Fake Listing

Not every vacation rental is what it appears to be. Some listings are scams from the start, created to take your money and disappear. Others may involve real properties listed without the owner's consent.

To protect yourself, approach any unfamiliar listing with a healthy dose of skepticism—especially if it’s outside of a major booking platform.

Watch for these telltale signs:

• Unrealistically low prices for the area or season
• Requests for payment via Venmo, Zelle, wire transfer, or gift cards
• Vague property descriptions or limited photo angles\
• No verifiable reviews or contact information
• Pressure to book quickly, often framed as a “limited-time deal”

Before booking, take these steps:

• Cross-reference the listing on other platforms (if it exists there, check for inconsistencies)
• Reverse image search the property photos to ensure they aren’t stolen
• Contact the host directly and ask specific questions about the property and area

Trustworthy hosts and platforms won’t hesitate to provide more information. If the communication feels rushed, vague, or off in any way, walk away.

3. Use Trusted Booking Platforms, And Check the URL

The internet is full of convincing fakes, and travel websites are a favorite target. A scammer might create a near-identical version of a popular site to trick you into entering your personal or payment information.

Always start by confirming that you’re on a legitimate, secure website. Look for:

• The "https://" at the beginning of the URL
• A padlock icon in the address bar
• Consistent branding, contact information, and reviews

Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails, texts, or social media posts. If you’re interested in an offer, type the website address directly into your browser or use a saved bookmark.

Reputable platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, and Expedia have strong protections in place for users. Booking through them not only reduces your risk of fraud—it also gives you customer support if something goes wrong.

4. Never Pay Off-Platform or in Untraceable Ways

How you pay for your trip matters just as much as where you book. Scammers often ask you to pay in ways that are hard to trace or impossible to recover—because they don’t want to get caught.

If a host insists on using:

• A wire transfer
• A payment app with no purchase protection
• A gift card or cryptocurrency
• Cash with no receipt

That’s a huge red flag.

For your safety, always:

• Use a credit card when possible (it offers the strongest fraud protection)
• Make payments through the booking site or app itself, not through outside channels

If someone tries to move the conversation or transaction off the platform, it’s best to walk away.

5. Protect Your Personal Information While Traveling

Summer travel often takes you to places with public Wi-Fi, shared devices, or unfamiliar networks. While it’s convenient to hop on free internet at a café or hotel, it’s also a major vulnerability if you’re not careful.

Scammers don’t just want your money—they want your data.

Keep your digital information safe by:

• Avoiding financial transactions on public Wi-Fi
• Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) when checking email or banking info
• Keeping your devices up to date with the latest security patches
• Not posting your full travel itinerary on social media

Even something as simple as your return date can be used by identity thieves or even local criminals to target an empty home.

6. Watch for Phishing Scams in Emails and Text

As your trip gets closer, you might receive legitimate travel updates—but scammers are betting you’ll get a few fakes too.

Phishing scams often pose as:

• Airlines claiming there’s a problem with your ticket
• Hotels saying your reservation must be reconfirmed
• Travel apps alerting you to changes in plans

What makes phishing so dangerous is how convincing it can be. Messages may include your name, a real-looking logo, or language that creates urgency.

Protect yourself by:

• Not clicking any suspicious links
• Checking the sender’s email address for typos or inconsistencies
• Going directly to the company’s website to confirm details

When in doubt, don’t respond to the message—contact the company using their verified contact information instead.

7. Teach Your Kids and Teens to Travel Scam-Smart

With more young adults planning their own getaways, it’s important to talk to your kids and teens about travel safety—including scams.

Even the most tech-savvy teens can fall for a fake listing or phishing email if they haven’t been taught what to watch for.

Start the conversation with these basics:

• Always verify listings with a trusted adult before booking
• Avoid sharing personal or payment info without parental approval
• Stick to booking sites you know or have researched together
• Set up mobile alerts for card activity to monitor spending in real time

For added peace of mind, consider enabling parental controls or monitoring tools. Being proactive now can prevent expensive (and frustrating) mistakes later.

8. What to Do If You Suspect You've Been Scammed

It’s a gut-punch moment: realizing you may have been tricked. But acting quickly can make a big difference.

If you think you've been scammed:

1. Contact your financial institution immediately. At Ozark Federal Credit Union, we can help freeze accounts, reverse transactions, or guide you through next steps.
2. Report the incident to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. This helps prevent further harm.
3. Notify the platform (Airbnb, Booking.com, etc.) if the scam occurred there.
4. Save all documentation, including emails, messages, screenshots, and receipts.
5. File a police report, especially if you're dealing with a large sum or identity theft.
   

You’re not alone. Many people experience travel fraud every year. The key is to respond quickly and report everything.

Summer Should be Stress-Free

You deserve a summer that’s filled with adventure—not anxiety. And with the right knowledge and a little extra caution, you can protect your vacation from fraudsters who are counting on distraction.

At Ozark Federal Credit Union, we care about your safety as much as your financial wellness. If you ever suspect fraud, have questions about suspicious activity, or simply want to learn more about protecting your accounts while traveling, our team is here to help.

Don’t forget:

• Notify us before you travel so your card transactions aren’t flagged
• Use our app to set up transaction alerts and monitor your accounts
• Visit our Fraud Center for the latest scam alerts and prevention tips
  

Let’s make this summer safe, secure, and full of great memories.

Related Blog Posts: 

Spring Into Savings: Smart Budgeting Tips for Vacation Season

Fraud Prevention Guide for 2025: How to Protect Yourself from Scams

Financial Scams Targeting Individuals: How to Protect Yourself