WARNING: Travel Scam Targeting Customers

Scammers are targeting customers who purchased a vacation, typically a cruise. Here’s how it works:

HOW THE SCAM WORKS

The scammer purchases ads on Google and other search engines, advertising a phone number that is similar to that of a major cruise line or they buy ads that appear to be sponsored by that cruise line but include the fake number. They are hoping that you will call it, believing it to be the real number.

When they answer, they ask for your booking information. Then, they tell you that you owe some extra money for “fees” or “port expenses.” Even if you are paid in full, they will explain that this charge is required to sail and that if unpaid, your booking may cancel.

Once you pay, they shut down the phone line and their payment system before you or the bank can catch the scam charge.

HOW TO AVOID GETTING SCAMMED

Here are some steps you can take to avoid travel scams like this:

If you must call a supplier directly, visit their website to confirm the phone number before dialing. Make sure it is their actual website, as some scammers are creating clones of the actual pages. Read the website’s URL – does it match the company’s name? Is there a misspelling or extra word?

If someone asks you to pay more than you believe you owe, ask questions. Have them send you an invoice, but do NOT give them your email. Your trusted travel advisor or supplier will already have that info. If they cannot provide an invoice showing the charge, it is likely a scam.

Think you’re speaking to a scammer? Trick them with a falsehood. For example, ask them to remind you if it’s your Uncle Bill or Uncle Ted that is traveling in your room. Just use two names that are not on the booking. Many will fall for this and pick one. Then you’ll know it’s a scam. You could also ask them to verify information you have not given them on that call but that the supplier should know, such as your date of birth or sailing date. Most suppliers will ask YOU to verify these things before speaking with you.

Still not sure? Hang up and double-check the number. Better safe than sorry.

YOUR BEST BET: Work with a trusted travel advisor. All Premier Custom Travel clients have our cell phone numbers and can easily verify authenticity with a call or text. Plus, we know the correct numbers to call and will never share your info with scammers. When we call our suppliers, there is a process to verify that we are authorized to access your reservation and that we are not scammers ourselves.

We are seeing reports daily in travel advisor communities about customers being scammed. Please stay vigilant and avoid losing your money!