Summer is a time to make memories. Whether that’s taking a family vacation, relaxing by the pool, or enjoying some well-deserved time off. Unfortunately, while you’re planning your next adventure, scammers are too.

As travel and summer plans pick up, so do fraud attempts. Here are some common summer scams to watch for and tips to help keep your personal financial information safe.

1. Fake Vacation and Travel Websites

Scammers often create convincing travel websites advertising luxury accommodations, vacation rentals, flights, or travel packages at prices that seem too good to be true. These fraudulent sites can look professional and may even feature fake reviews or stolen photos from legitimate businesses.

To Protect Yourself:

• Book through trusted platforms or directly with the service provider.
• Research hotels, rentals, and travel agencies before making a payment.
• Be cautious of deals that are significantly cheaper than comparable offers.

2. Phishing Emails and Fake Booking Confirmations

Receiving an email about a hotel reservation, flight change, or travel itinerary can seem routine, especially when planning for a trip. Scammers take advantage of this by sending fake booking confirmations that urge recipients to click a link, enter login credentials, or provide payment information.

Warning Signs:

• Unexpected reservation confirmations.
• Requests to “verify” payment information.
• Urgent language claiming your booking will be canceled.
• Suspicious links or unfamiliar sender addresses.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Never click links in unsolicited emails or text messages.
• Verify reservations directly through the travel company’s official website or app.
• Enable multi-factor authentication on important accounts.
• Report suspicious emails to your organization’s security team, if applicable.

3. Travel Accommodation Scams

Vacation rental scams become increasingly common during peak travel months. Scammers may copy legitimate property listings and ask travelers to send deposits through wire transfers, gift cards, or payment apps.

Stay Safe By:

• Communicating through official booking platforms whenever possible.
• Being cautious if a property owner requests payment outside the platform.
• Reading recent reviews and verifying property details.
• Avoiding payment methods that are difficult to recover after fraud.

4. Fake Event and Ticket Scams

Summer concerts, sporting events, festivals, and local attractions are popular targets for scammers. Fraudulent tickets sold through unofficial channels may be counterfeit or entirely nonexistent.

Tips for Buying Tickets Safely:

• Purchase tickets directly from official vendors.
• Compare prices and be wary of steep discounts.
• Avoid sellers who insist on immediate payment.
• Use secure payment methods that offer buyer protection.

Taking a few extra moments to verify travel bookings, confirm ticket purchases, and safeguard your personal information can go a long way in protecting your finances and your peace of mind.

For more detailed tips on protecting your financial accounts this summer, click here. 

If you ever believe you have been targeted by a scam or notice suspicious activity, do not wait to take action. Call our Customer Care team at 800.374.6123 or visit your local branch to get support in protecting your accounts and your financial future.

Visit our Security Center for helpful tips on identifying fraud, account protection available and steps to take if you suspect you are a victim of fraud.

This summer, stay alert, stay informed, and don’t let scammers ruin your plans.