With July 4th around the corner and a record number of Americans hitting the road, it's prime time for scammers to strike. McAfee recently uncovered the top 10 U.S. destinations where online travel scams are rampant. Want to travel safely and confidently? We’ve got you covered with expert tips to protect yourself from online booking scams. Learn how to spot red flags and safeguard your travel plans.

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10 U.S. Travel Scam Hotspots

Source: Freepik

When it comes to looking up and booking travel within the U.S., scammers seem to prefer these destinations the most:

  1. Fort Myers Beach, Florida
  2. Sandusky, Ohio
  3. Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania
  4. Waimea, Hawaii
  5. Chicago, Illinois
  6. Mackinac Island, Michigan
  7. Honolulu, Hawaii
  8. Ocean City, Maryland
  9. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
  10. College Station, Texas

Why Are These Spots Scam Magnets?

Scammers target popular destinations because that's where the money is. Whether you're booking a hotel or finding deals on activities, these places have seen the highest volume of shady search results.

The Face of Travel Scams Today

When booking travel, it's easy to fall into traps. Here are some common scams:

  • Fake Booking Sites: Look legit but take your money and leave you stranded.
  • Malware Sites: Infect your devices when you click on seemingly harmless links.
  • Personal Info Theft: Sites that steal your information for fraudulent use.

Protecting Yourself from Online Booking Scams

To ensure a safe and secure travel experience follow these tips:

  1. Book Directly with Reputable Companies or Through Trusted Platforms: Use well-known sites like Airbnb, VRBO, Expedia, and Priceline.
  2. Be Cautious of Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True: They often are.
  3. Conduct Reverse Image Searches to Verify Property Photos: This helps ensure the photos are legitimate.
  4. Use a Credit Card and Never a Debit Card for Better Transaction Protection: Credit cards offer better fraud protection.
  5. Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi Without a VPN: Public Wi-Fi can be insecure and make you vulnerable to hackers.
  6. Be Wary of Unsolicited Messages Asking for Personal Information: Legitimate companies won't ask for sensitive info through unsolicited messages.
  7. Validate Listings Across Multiple Platforms: This helps determine legitimate accommodations.
  8. Have Strong Antivirus Software: The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you to phishing emails or ransomware scams.

Red Flags to Watch Out for When Booking Online

Follow these warning signs when booking online:

  • Listings with No Reviews: This could indicate a fake listing.
  • Requests to Communicate or Pay Outside the Booking Platform: This is a major red flag.
  • Pressure to Make Quick Decisions: Scammers often create a sense of urgency.
  • Unusual Payment Methods Like Wire Transfers or Gift Cards: These methods are hard to trace and recover.

Stay Safe and Enjoy Your Travels!