PITTSBURGH — As travel continues to pick up and more people get vaccinated, scammers are taking notice.
According to the Better Business Bureau, if it seems too good to be true, it likely is.
It’s no secret that people are getting the travel itch and are looking for a much-needed vacation.
With case counts dropping and vaccinations increasing, airline prices are surging, and the BBB is sounding the alarm on air travel scams.
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The organization is reporting an increase in cases of scammers duplicating and creating fake booking websites.
“It’s not cool because it’s hard earned money.”
— Mike Holden (@WPXIMikeHolden) May 4, 2021
Cyber criminals capitalizing on surge in air travel. BBB reports they’re duplicating airline websites and stealing your most personal info. Ways to spot it & how to get your cash back—WATCH @WPXI @ 12 & 5. pic.twitter.com/Jaf6CNNeNq
They’ll even spoof customer service lines, where they ask people for personal details and then increase the price of tickets.
Experts said you need to do the following things to protect yourself:
* Be extra-cautious when searching for deals.
* Stick to the websites you know and the major commercial airline retailers.
* Never give out any personal information over the phone or to these sites, such as your Social Security number.
* Always pay with a credit card so you can report the fraudulent charges and get your money back.
“I’m not shocked because I think there are so many scams. And there have been for a long time. But it’s obviously horrible. And I think this needs to be stopped. And I think the maybe the airlines —the industry has some they should be stepping on somehow,” said Suzanna Hare, Seattle.
The BBB said if you spot a scam or have fallen victim to one, to report it to them immediately.
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