By Veronica Craker for TCAJOB
Have you noticed the sun starting to set later in the day? Can you hear the chirping sounds of baby birds? If, like me, you’re counting down the days until spring, you’re probably already planning that summer getaway. Unfortunately, this is also the time when scammers are out trying to trick you out of your hard earned money.
The Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker — launched in fall of 2015 —has recorded a few travel scams in Washington, with consumers reporting a loss of more than $3,000 in the past three months.
Most recently a Western Washington resident reported losing more than $900 to an online travel company. The individual reported to Scam Tracker after booking the trip they were unable to reach anyone over the phone.
In Vancouver there were reports of someone receiving a call stating they had won a free cruise — if they paid $60 up front. The caller was pushy and loud, trying to pressure them to agreeing to the deal. Fortunately, the Vancouver resident was disconnected before they got tangled up in the scammers con.
If you have your sights set on planning a dream getaway, BBB Northwest wants to prevent it from turning into a nightmare. Here are five things to remember when planning your vacation.
Keep your vacation fun by playing it safe this summer. Learn more about scams in your area by visiting www.bbb.org/scamtracker/us.
[panel title="About Veronica Craker:" style="info"]
Veronica Craker is the managing editor and writer for the Better Business Bureau Northwest.