Spring Break and Travel Scams

Flying? Know your rights

• If your flight is delayed or cancelled and the airline says there are no flights available, be proactive. Search a travel booking website. Oftentimes, seats are still available through these websites – even though the person at the airport desk may tell you otherwise.
• Always keep your valuables and irreplaceable items (jewelry, medications, glasses, expensive souvenirs, etc.) with you. Never pack valuables in checked luggage.
• Leave yourself extra time between connections in case your initial flight is delayed.
• Buy travel insurance if you’re splurging on a trip. Read the contract and check reviews for the insurers.
• Know your rights if your flight is delayed, your luggage is lost or you faced unexpected fees.

Avoid scams when booking stays

• Always read the fine print. Remember, the listing with the lowest price isn’t necessarily the best deal. Scammers may lure you in with low prices but tack on additional fees. 
• Do your research. Go through a source you can trust – especially when booking online.
• Try using Google street map to view the address in the listing. Some spring breakers pay to rent a condo and later discover that the property doesn’t exist. Or, they may find the photos and description of the property were copied wholesale from a legitimate listing.
• Search to see if it’s a copycat ad. Use an internet search to see if phrases or photos in the ad were swiped from another listing.
• Never pay with cash or wire money. Pay with a credit card to protect yourself from fraud.
• Keep written copies of everything. You may need travel confirmations, email correspondence and receipts if a dispute arises.
• Don’t fall for a contest you never entered. If you receive an email saying you won a cruise, delete it. It’s a scam.

Resources:

File a complaint with the Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs.

File complaints about air travel problems with the U.S. Department of Transportation.