AARP Pennsylvania Urges Caution Against Too-Good-To-Be-True Travel Deals

Published on June 5, 2024

With the arrival of travel season, AARP Pennsylvania urges travelers to stay vigilant against scams that can turn dream vacations into disappointing ordeals. Travelers eager to relax and explore new destinations should be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, especially for vacation rentals and car hires.

“Nothing ruins a vacation faster than realizing your booking was a sham,” stated Mary Bach, Volunteer and Chair of the Consumer Issues Task Force at AARP Pennsylvania. “We see a lot of advertisements for luxurious properties and premium car rentals at unrealistically low rates. It’s crucial to do your due diligence before making any payments.”

Vacation rental scams often feature properties with enticingly low rates and exceptional amenities. Scammers may hijack legitimate listings or create entirely fictitious ones using stolen images. They typically push for quick deals and upfront payments, leaving travelers to discover the deception upon arrival.

Car rental scams also increase during peak travel times. Fraudsters lure travelers with exceptionally low rates and insist on advance payments through untraceable methods like gift cards or prepaid debit cards, often leaving travelers stranded.

David Kalinoski, Associate State Director of Outreach for AARP Pennsylvania, emphasized the importance of verification: “Before booking, confirm the property exists through tools like Google Street View and insist on a detailed rental agreement. For car rentals, ensure you are using the company’s genuine website or real customer service number.”

AARP Pennsylvania offers these additional tips to protect yourself:

1. Research the property, owner, and travel deals thoroughly.
2. Avoid paying by wire transfer, prepaid debit card, or gift card.
3. Use a credit card for added security and potential recourse.
4. Verify all terms in writing, including cancellation and refund policies.

“We urge all travelers to be cautious and report any suspicious offers,” added Kalinoski. “By staying informed and cautious, you can ensure that your vacation is memorable for all the right reasons.”