Sightseeing, sunbathing, skiing — who doesn’t like a good vacation? But don’t relax just yet. Whether it’s promising free or discounted trips, posting phony rental listings, or telling timeshare sellers they’ve got a buyer lined up, scammers are working to get a cut of your hard-earned travel money. Here’s what you need to know to avoid a scam.
Travel Scams
Travel Scams
Did you really win a “luxury vacation"? Can you trust that travel company? Is that international driving permit (IDP) the real thing? Find out how to know when you’re dealing with a travel scam.
International Driver's License Scams
Scammers sometimes make exaggerated claims about international driving permits. Learn what they are, and where to buy a legitimate permit.
Timeshares & Rentals
Timeshares and Vacation Plans
Buying or selling a timeshare or vacation plan? Read these tips first.
Rental Listing Scams
Rip-off artists use rental listings to get you to pay in advance for a place to live or vacation.
State Resources
Tips for Home Buying, Timeshare Scams, and Foreclosure Alternatives
Arizona Attorney General
Take the Time to Research Timeshares
Arkansas Attorney General
Warning Regarding Latest Timeshare Resale Fraud Scheme Involving Wire Transfers
California Department of Real Estate
Consumer Alert and Warning About Timeshare Resale Fraud
California Department of Real Estate
Don’t Be Tricked By Timeshare Resale Scams
Minnesota Attorney General
Attorney General Koster Sues Christian County Vacation-Package Business
Missouri Attorney General
Don’t Get Tripped Up By Travel Promotions
North Carolina Department of Justice
Timeshares
Oregon Department of Justice
Planning A Vacation - Look Out for Fraudulent Vacation Rental Listings
South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs
Vacation Buying Clubs - The Devil is in the Details
South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs
Timeshare Resale: Avoiding the Scam Artists
South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs
Attorney General Sorrell Warns Of “Free Money” Scams This Holiday Season
Vermont Attorney General
Spread the Word
Shareable Tips
Planning a vacation? Learn more about travel scams: https://www.ftc.gov/travel
Not sure if you’re dealing with a travel scam? Here are some signs a sun-filled getaway isn’t what it seems: http://go.usa.gov/b2DY
You’ve won a “free vacation” but you have to pay a fee first? That’s not a prize, it’s a purchase. Learn more: http://go.usa.gov/b2DY
Want to sell your timeshare? Some companies will lie and say they have a buyer to get you to pay them. Learn more: http://go.usa.gov/b2DB
Audio Tips
Travel Tips (1:00)
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