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Don’t Get Burned: Summer Travel Scams to Watch For

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Sun, Sand… and Scammers? How to Spot Summer Travel Scams 

Summer’s calling—and so are the scammers. Whether you’re dreaming of a beachside escape or a mountain retreat, shady actors are working overtime to turn your travel plans into a financial nightmare. The good news? A little knowledge goes a long way in keeping U (and your wallet) safe. 

Before you pack your bags, protect your wallet. Here’s what to watch out for when booking those summer getaways: 

1. Fake Vacation Rentals 

That dreamy beach house at half the usual price? Might be too dreamy to be real. Scammers post fake listings using stolen photos and fake contact info. They’ll often push you to pay off-platform—big red flag. 

UMe Pro Tip: Stick with well-known rental sites like Airbnb, Vrbo, or Booking.com, and always use their messaging and payment systems. 

2. Phishing Emails and Texts 

You get an urgent text from “your airline” about a flight change—or maybe an email with a suspiciously perfect deal. These are phishing attempts designed to steal personal or financial info. 

UMe Pro Tip: Don’t click links in unsolicited messages. If you’re unsure, go directly to the company’s official website to verify. 

3. Too-Good-to-Be-True Deals 

Massive discounts on flights, hotels, or full-on vacation packages that require an immediate payment? Yep, that’s a classic setup. These offers are designed to create FOMO and rush you into bad decisions. 

UMe Pro Tip: Compare prices across trusted sources and always read the fine print. 

 4. Free Vacation Scams 

“You’ve won a luxury cruise!” …if you just pay the taxes and fees up front. Scammers bait travelers with fake contests and freebies to collect money or sensitive info. 

UMe Pro Tip: If you didn’t enter a contest, you didn’t win one. Legit companies won’t charge U to claim a prize. 

5. Fake Travel Insurance 

Scammers pose as legit insurance companies offering “special low rates” and then disappear once you pay. 

UMe Pro Tip: Buy travel insurance only from reputable providers. And never pay using wire transfers or gift cards. 

6. Timeshare + High-Pressure Sales 

Some scammers lure travelers into fake timeshare presentations or resale offers — complete with high-pressure tactics and empty promises. 

UMe Pro Tip: Research thoroughly before signing or paying anything. And remember: You don’t owe anyone your time on vacation. 

7. Fake TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Sites 

Fraudsters have been creating copycat websites and sending fake emails pretending to be TSA or U.S. Customs programs. 

UMe Pro Tip: Only apply through official government sites like travel.state.gov. Don’t click links in unsolicited messages. 

 

General Tips to Stay Scam-Free: 

  • Skip the sketchy links: Don’t click or reply to emails or texts you didn’t initiate. 
  • Only use secure payment methods: If a site or seller asks for wire transfers or gift cards—run! 
  • Do your homework: Google the company, read reviews, and verify contact info. 
  • Trust your gut: If something seems off or too good to be true, it probably is. 

 

TLDR: We love summer—and we love helping U protect your hard-earned money. Whether you’re jetting off or staycationing in Burbank, staying safe from scams helps make every trip (and every dollar) count. 

See U out there, safe and scam-free. 🧡 U+Me = UMe 

Disclaimer: U matter to Me (to all of us) at UMe — and that’s why we do our best to deliver helpful information on our blog. Please note the following: (1) UMe Credit Union works hard to make certain that the information we post here is as accurate as humanly possible. But as you know, information can change and evolve quickly. While we try to update the blog on a regular basis, the content of some older posts may not be correct or up-to-date. (2) Some destinations on the World Wide Web that we link you to will exist on external websites. UMe Credit Union does not officially endorse any connected sites, nor do/did we compensate or get compensated by any entities to be featured in our posts (unless otherwise noted). (3) Everyone’s situation is unique and we advise you to consult with our personal bankers or your finance, tax, or legal professional for advice individualized to you!