Travel Scams

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

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.

Travel Tips

Rest and relaxation or vacation frustration? Here’s how to avoid a vacation nightmare.

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: http://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)

View transcript, download and more

Please update or install Adobe Flash

Sorry this content requires the latest version of flash. You will need to install or upgrade in order to view this content.

Get Adobe Flash player