You’ve had an amazing vacation, and you just got back home with a fresh tan or some amazing new memories. A few days later, you get a phone call from the landlord who owns the rental property where you stayed. They claim that you damaged their property and they want compensation immediately! What are you supposed to do next? Before you panic and send money, stop and think. This could be a scam!
You might be aware of travel scams to look out for on the road. But did you know that scammers still try to get your money and private info even after you’re returned home? There is an entire category of scams dedicated to targeting people who just got back from vacation.
Know the types of after-vacation scams
You may have kept a wary eye out for scams during your trip, but don’t drop your guard once you get back home. Watch out for some of these types of traps:
Travel survey scams
You might receive a phone call or email from someone who says they are conducting a research survey. All you have to do is answer some personal questions! The scammer can then use your info to pose as you or to send you more scam material so they can get your money. If you feel uncomfortable about a certain phone call or email, you do not have to respond. A simple “No thank you” will suffice.
Fake credit card fraud alerts
You may receive a text message asking if you recently approved a transaction of a large amount of money on your credit card. If you respond to the text, the scammer will call you to say the transaction already went through. They will claim that, to fix this problem, you need to transfer the money back to yourself with a money transfer app. But when you try to do this, you simply transfer the money to the scammer!
To avoid falling prey to this type of scam, know that banks will not use money transfer services. Additionally, text messages using urgent, frightening language like “immediately” or “urgent action required” could be scams intended to scare you into acting before thinking.
Customer service calls
If you get a phone call from a so-called customer service representative who wants you to verify sensitive information, this is most likely a scam. Do not answer people who ask for your credit card number, Social Security number, passwords, or other private info over the phone.
Phony prize notifications
“Congratulations! You have won…” As exciting as it is to hear these words or see them in an email or text, don’t instantly offer up your personal info or click the provided links. Scammers often trap people with these prize alerts. If you click the link to claim your prize, you just give the scammer more access to your device. Maybe they called you on the phone; they want your card number or a fee before you can claim this mystery prize. Do you remember entering a contest? Even if you did, think twice and call the official number for the contest before you claim your “prize.”
Vacation rental damage claims
Somebody calls or texts you, angrily claiming that you damaged the rental property, and you need to pay them back. Don’t panic! First, think about your vacation. To the best of your knowledge, did you in fact damage the property where you stayed? That should give you a quick answer. To double-check, contact the owner of the rental property yourself and ask for confirmation.
Recovery claims
If you have already fallen victim to a scam, you are at risk of falling victim to another one. The scammer calls back, apologizing that you never got the prize or money that they promised to give you. If you just pay them some more money, they will make sure you get what you are owed! But this is just further deception. Don’t agree to send money to people over the phone, and don’t tell unknown callers your credit card number.
Best identity protection plans
If you fall victim to a scam, your private information could soon be sold or used against you. How can you stay wary and keep an eye on the safety of your identity while you are vacationing, or after you get home? It’s wise to take identity protection with you as you set out on your trip. IDShield provides the tools you need to monitor your online presence and alert you of any suspicious activity in your monitored accounts.
When you become an IDShield Member, you gain access to many different protection benefits, including:
- Full-service identity restoration if identity theft does occur
- Licensed private investigators who will do whatever it takes as long as it takes to restore your identity to its pre-theft status
- Cybersecurity and device protection
- Identity monitoring
- Credit monitoring
- Up to $3 million Identity Fraud Protection
Take the next step
- Get complete details about IDShield 24/7 identity theft protection.
- Use Privacy Check to remove personal information from the internet.
- Spot travel scams before your next trip.
Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. (“PPLSI”) provides access to identity theft services through membership-based participation. IDShield is a product of PPLSI. All Licensed Private Investigators are licensed in the state of Oklahoma. The information made available in this blog is meant to provide general information and is not intended to provide professional advice, render an opinion, or provide a recommendation as to a specific matter. The blog post is not a substitute for competent and professional advice. Information contained in the blog may be provided by authors who could be third-party paid contributors. All information by authors is accepted in good faith; however, PPLSI makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of such information.
