Are you ready with your swimwear and sunscreen?

With summer vacation approaching, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is cautioning people to watch out for scams that can spoil a well-deserved break.

Online scammers prey on individuals caught up in their vacation excitement. They often post fake vacation deals at incredibly low prices to exploit people’s eagerness and lack of caution. To steer clear of these scams, it’s crucial to take a step back, slow down, and thoroughly research the offers you come across.

The BBB suggests planning and researching your vacation well in advance to avoid any last-minute rushes. Take the time to investigate the hotels you plan to stay at, verify your reservations, and so forth. This not only helps in sidestepping scams but also enables you to find better deals and secure desired accommodations before they are booked out.

When searching online, be specific with your queries. Avoid generic terms like “amazing deals” or “last-minute hotels,” as these often lead to scam websites targeting hasty vacationers. Additionally, always review the cancellation policies of your bookings and get all the details in writing.

For added security, it’s advisable to make payments using a credit card rather than a debit card. Debit card transactions are final once the money leaves your account, whereas credit cards provide greater protection. In case of a scam, credit card charges can usually be disputed or, as a last resort, you can refuse payment while safeguarding your credit rating.