As the weather warms up and summer plans begin to take shape, many of us look forward to well-deserved vacations. Whether you're planning a weekend road trip or a tropical getaway, there's one thing that can quickly turn a dream vacation into a nightmare—falling victim to a travel scam.

Fraudsters know that this is peak season for travel planning, and they ramp up their efforts to take advantage of eager vacationers. At Consumers National Bank, your safety and peace of mind matter to us—whether you're at home or away. This month, we're highlighting the most common travel scams and how to protect yourself before you hit the road or take to the skies.

1. Fake Vacation Rentals: Too Good to Be True?

You find the perfect beach house: oceanfront, modern amenities, and a bargain price—only to arrive and discover it doesn’t exist. Fake vacation rental listings are one of the most prevalent travel scams. Fraudsters lift photos from real listings and create their own fake ads on classified websites or social media, luring in travelers with low rates and urgent booking requirements.

Protect Yourself:

• Book through well-known, reputable platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.) and avoid listings with poor or no reviews.
• Never wire money or pay via gift cards—use secure payment methods.
• Communicate only through the platform, not off-site via email or messaging apps.

2. Scammy Travel Booking Sites and Apps

Some fake websites or apps mimic legitimate travel booking services, offering flights, hotels, or package deals that appear professional and reliable. After making a payment, you may never receive confirmation, or you get to the airport or hotel and find out your reservation doesn’t exist.

Protect Yourself:

• Double-check the website’s address (URL)—look for slight misspellings (Airbmb) or odd domain extensions.
• Research unknown booking sites using online reviews and travel forums.

3. Phony Travel Agencies and Prize Scams

You receive an unsolicited phone call, email, or social media message claiming you’ve won a “free” cruise or vacation—just pay a small “processing fee.” These scams often pressure you to act fast or provide personal information upfront.

Protect Yourself:

• If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.
• Be cautious with cold calls or messages promoting deals or contests you didn’t enter.
• Never share credit card or Social Security numbers to claim a prize.

4. Taxi and Transportation Cons

Once you’ve arrived at your destination, scammers may try to take advantage of travelers unfamiliar with local customs or prices. Common schemes include inflated fares, meter manipulation, or unlicensed taxis.

Protect Yourself:

• Use ride-sharing apps with upfront pricing and driver verification.
• If using a taxi, ask for an estimated fare before the ride and ensure the meter is running.
• Avoid accepting rides from drivers who approach you directly at airports or tourist sites.

5. Wi-Fi and ATM Skimming Threats

While looking for directions or booking last-minute reservations, it’s tempting to use public Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, scammers often set up fake Wi-Fi networks in hotels, airports, or cafes to intercept your data. Similarly, skimming devices placed on ATMs can steal your card information in seconds.

Protect Yourself:

• Avoid accessing sensitive information (banking, shopping) over public Wi-Fi.
• Use a VPN when possible, especially abroad.
• Stick to ATMs located inside bank branches or trusted locations.
• Enable alerts for all debit and credit card transactions so you’re immediately notified of any suspicious activity.

Safe Travels Start with Smart Banking

Consumers National Bank is here to help you travel with confidence. Before your trip, take a few simple steps to protect your finances:

• Let us know your travel plans. Alerting the bank to your upcoming trip helps prevent your card from being flagged for unusual activity.
• Set up travel alerts and enable transaction notifications in our mobile banking app.
• Use card controls to manage spending or instantly lock your card if needed.
• Contact us immediately if you notice any suspicious activity.

Stay One Step Ahead of Scammers

Scammers prey on excitement and urgency—two things that are common when you’re booking a vacation. But with a few precautions and a healthy dose of skepticism, you can avoid the pitfalls and focus on making memories.

If you’re planning a summer getaway, we encourage you to reach out to our team at Consumers National Bank with any questions about secure banking while traveling. Our goal is to make sure your only surprise this summer is how great your vacation turned out—not a fraudulent charge or a fake rental.

Need help preparing your finances for travel? Visit your local branch, call us at (330) 868-7701or toll-free at (800) 948-1262, or log into your account to set up travel alerts today.