Don't Let Scammers Ruin Your Dream Vacation!

Dreaming of sun-soaked beaches, historical landmarks, or thrilling adventures? Summer travel is almost in full swing, and while everyone deserves a relaxing getaway, unfortunately, so do scammers. They're constantly devising new ways to separate you from your hard-earned money, leaving you stranded and stressed. Aeroquip Credit Union wants you to enjoy your vacation, not fall victim to fraud. This Fraud Friday, we're highlighting common travel scams to watch out for:

1. Phony Vacation Rentals:

The Scam: You find a beautiful vacation rental online at an unbelievably low price. You're asked to wire money or send payment via a less secure method like a gift card to secure the booking. Once you arrive, the property doesn't exist, is misrepresented, or is already occupied.

Red Flags:

• Prices significantly lower than similar properties in the area.
• Requests for payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or other unconventional methods.
• Reluctance to communicate via phone or video call.
• Poorly written listings with grammatical errors or generic descriptions.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Book through reputable rental platforms with established review systems and buyer protection policies (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO).
• Pay with a credit card whenever possible, as it offers fraud protection.
• Research the property and owner/manager online. Look for reviews on multiple sites.
• Be wary of listings without photos or with only stock images.
• If possible, use Google Street View to verify the existence of the property.

2. Fake Travel Agencies & Package Deals:

The Scam: You receive an email, phone call, or see an online ad offering a seemingly incredible travel package (flights, hotels, tours) at a fraction of the normal price. The "agency" demands immediate payment, often pressuring you with limited-time offers. After paying, you receive nothing, or the itinerary is completely different than promised, with hidden fees and sub-par accommodations.

Red Flags:

• Unsolicited offers that seem too good to be true.
• High-pressure sales tactics and demands for immediate payment.
• Lack of a physical address or verifiable contact information.
• Poor website quality or grammatical errors.
• Refusal to provide detailed information about the package components.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Research the travel agency thoroughly before booking. Check their reputation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and online review sites.
• Verify their credentials. Legitimate travel agencies are often affiliated with organizations like the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).
• Compare prices with other travel providers.
• Read the fine print carefully before agreeing to anything.
• Pay with a credit card for added protection.
• Be wary of deals that require you to attend a timeshare presentation.

3. Phishing Emails & Texts Impersonating Airlines or Hotels:

The Scam: You receive a realistic-looking email or text message claiming to be from an airline or hotel you recently used. The message may say there's an issue with your booking, ask you to update your payment information, or offer a "free upgrade." Clicking the link takes you to a fake website designed to steal your login credentials or credit card information.

Red Flags:

• Unexpected emails or texts, especially those you didn't request.
• Generic greetings ("Dear Customer") instead of your name.
• Urgent requests for personal information.
• Links that look suspicious or don't match the official website address of the airline or hotel.
• Grammatical errors and typos.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Never click on links in unsolicited emails or texts.
• Go directly to the airline or hotel's official website to check your booking or update your information.
• Be wary of requests for your password or credit card details via email or text.
• Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts for added security.
• Report suspicious emails and texts to the airline or hotel and to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

4. Public Wi-Fi Risks:

The Scam: Using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks at airports, hotels, or cafes can expose your personal information to hackers. They can intercept your data, steal your passwords, and access your accounts.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions, such as banking or online shopping.
• Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic.
• Ensure the website you're visiting is secure (look for "https" in the address bar and a padlock icon).
• Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when you're not using them.

5. Currency Exchange Scams:

The Scam: Especially when traveling abroad, be aware of inflated exchange rates or hidden fees at currency exchange kiosks, especially in tourist areas. Some scammers may even give you counterfeit currency.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Research the current exchange rate before you travel.
• Use ATMs at reputable banks to withdraw local currency.
• If you must use a currency exchange, compare rates and fees at multiple locations.
• Avoid exchanging money at airports or hotels, as they often have higher fees.
• Carefully inspect the currency you receive to ensure it's genuine.

Aeroquip Credit Union is Here to Help You Travel Safely and Affordably!

Planning your dream vacation doesn't have to break the bank, or put you at risk. At Aeroquip Credit Union, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve your financial goals, without getting scammed.

Need a little help funding your getaway? Take advantage of our limited-time Vacation Loan Special!

Borrow up to $2,000

Low 7.5% APR*

Repay in 11 Months

Click Here to Learn More 

This special won't last forever, so start planning your escape now.

*Offer valid 5/1/2025 - 6/30/2025. APR = Annual percentage rate. Some conditions and restrictions apply. See credit union for full details. Federally insured by the NCUA.

Aeroquip Credit Union is Here to Help!

We want to empower you to achieve your financial goals. Contact us today to learn more about our savings accounts, loan options, and financial resources. We're here to help you make the most of your summer while building a brighter financial future!

Aeroquip Credit Union Improving the Quality of Your Life. 

Made with the help of Google Ai Studio