Q. My family will be traveling for the Labor Day holiday. Does BBB have tips for travel?
A. According to the American Automobile Association, more Americans will travel on Labor Day weekend in 2015 than in the previous six years. AAA estimates 34.7 million will hit the road and the skies. As Americans do their Labor Day traveling, there are safeguards that should be taken to assure online and monetary security. Sadly, $10 billion a year is lost to vacation scammers.
BBB has the following advice to those who plan to travel as they celebrate summer’s end.
Start Planning: Remember that scammers often work their schemes on those who are planning their vacations.
* Use only reputable websites when booking your vacation. Some of those fabulous-looking listings are fake sites. Always check out the company business review report with the BBB. www.bbb.org.
* Never wire money for vacation rentals.
* Always pay with a credit card.
* Airline loyalty program members are often targeted by phishing scammers trying to get you to click on a link and provide your ID number and password. Phishing scams are increasing. Delete suspicious emails.
* Ignore emails that claim to be about a travel itinerary you know you did not book. They are phishing for credit card numbers and bank account information by trying to make you believe there is a problem with arrangements, or get you to panic at the thought of a trip booked incorrectly.
* Beware of any deal that seems too good to be true. It usually is.
* Do not post information about travel plans on social media. Many burglars watch for vacant homes by reading your posts. Share your photos online only after you return home.
While Traveling: Online security is especially vulnerable when you travel. Use these practices to reduce your risks:
* Keep careful watch of your laptop, tablet, or other devices at crowded airports. 12,000 laptops go missing every week from airports. Be particularly alert at security checkpoints.
* Install tracking software on your devices just in case they turn up missing.
* Remember that 90 percent of public Wi-Fi hotspots are not secure. Fraudsters can create a twin of a public hotspot – a rogue network that looks legitimate. Watch out for pop-up windows seeking information under the guise of updating one of your programs.
* Do online bill paying or banking before you leave home.
* Assure your anti-virus and security software is current.
On Arrival: Do not let a fraudster spoil your stay at a planned vacation spot. These tips can help you keep safe:
* Hotel Wi-Fi users should take all of the above precautions; confirm Wi-Fi security level with the hotel.
* Scammers can fake calls; claiming to be from the front desk and saying there is a problem with your credit card. Do not provide any information over the phone.
* Takeout menus can be slid under your door, hoping you will call a number and order food using your credit card. That is how they get your information. No food will come. Check first with the hotel to confirm this food service is legitimate.
Enjoy the holiday; make your Labor Day travels as hassle-free as possible by taking steps to avoid scammers. For questions or concerns about your travel plans, contact your BBB serving Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia by calling 423-266-0396, or visit our website at www.bbb.org.
Jim Winsett is president of the Better Business Bureau in Chattanooga.