How to Spot Travel Scams Targeting Seniors

Let’s face it — scammers are sneaky. And unfortunately, they often target seniors who are planning well-deserved trips. But don’t worry — with a little know-how, you can spot travel scams before they get anywhere near your suitcase. Here’s how to spot travel scams.

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Common Travel Scams Aimed at Seniors

1. Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals

Did you just “win” a luxury cruise… even though you never entered a contest?
Be wary of:

• Free trips that require upfront “fees”
• Deep discounts from unfamiliar travel agencies
• High-pressure sales tactics (“Book now or miss out!”)

Red flag: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

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2. Fake Travel Agencies or Booking Sites

Some scam websites look very convincing. But instead of planning your trip, they’re stealing your personal info.

Watch out for:

• Poor grammar or spelling on websites
• No contact number or a vague address
• Requests for wire transfers or gift card payments

✅ Always double-check travel agencies on review sites like Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau.

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3. Unlicensed Tour Guides or Drivers

You arrive at your destination and a “friendly” local offers you a tour at a big discount. But it turns out they’re not licensed — or worse, they take off with your money.

What to do: Only book guides through reputable companies or your hotel. Look for badges, licenses, or online reviews.

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4. Phishing Emails Pretending to Be Airlines or Booking Sites

You get an email saying your flight’s been canceled or your booking needs to be “confirmed” by clicking a link.

🛑 Don’t click it! These are often phishing scams.

Tips:

• Check the sender’s email address
• Go directly to the official website instead of clicking links
• Call the airline or agency directly to confirm

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5. Rental Property Scams

Found the perfect vacation home online? If the price is suspiciously low or the owner insists on a deposit via bank transfer — red flag!

Protect yourself:

• Use trusted platforms like Trip.com or Expedia.
• Never pay outside of the platform
• Read reviews and check photos for consistency

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How to Protect Yourself

✅ Use a Credit Card
Credit cards offer better fraud protection than debit cards or wire transfers.

✅ Book Through Trusted Sources
Stick to well-known travel websites, agents, and companies with verified reviews. We highly recommend Trip.com . They have over 129,000 reviews in Trust Pilot. The other platform we recommend is Expedia. They are specialised in free cancellations.

✅ Trust Your Gut
If something feels off — pause. Scammers rely on pressure and urgency. Take your time.

✅ Avoid Sharing Too Much Online
Don’t post exact travel dates or that your home will be empty. Scammers (and burglars) are watching.

✅ Talk to Someone You Trust
Before making big bookings or paying for a trip, run it by a family member or friend. Two heads are better than one!

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Real Life Examples of Travel Scams

Here are a few true-to-life travel scams that have affected seniors and travellers around the world. These will help you to learn how to spot travel scams.

1. “Free” Cruise Scam – Hidden Fees & No Cruise

What happened:
A senior in Florida received a phone call claiming she’d won a free Caribbean cruise. All she had to do was pay a $99 “port fee.” After paying, she never received confirmation or cruise tickets — and the number was disconnected.

Lesson learned:
Legitimate prizes don’t require upfront payment. Always verify the company and read the fine print.

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2. Fake Vacation Rental – Nowhere to Stay

What happened:
A retired couple booked a beautiful beachfront apartment through a classified ad site. The listing had glowing (but fake) reviews and convincing photos. They paid a deposit via wire transfer. When they arrived — the address didn’t even exist.

Lesson learned:
Never book accommodations outside reputable platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com, and avoid wire transfers or prepaid gift cards.

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3. Airport Taxi Scam – “Broken” Meter

What happened:
A senior tourist arriving in Bangkok was told by a taxi driver that the meter was broken. Halfway through the trip, the driver demanded five times the typical fare. Feeling unsafe and unsure, the traveler paid.

Lesson learned:
Always insist on using a metered taxi or book transportation through your hotel or official taxi services.

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4. Fake Airline Customer Support

What happened:
A traveler searching for an airline’s customer service number clicked on a fake ad on Google. The “agent” told him his flight was canceled and he had to rebook for a $400 fee — paid immediately by card. The real airline had no record of any cancellation.

Lesson learned:
Only use official airline websites or verified apps. Be cautious of sponsored ads that may link to scam call centers.

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5. “Helpful” Stranger ATM Scam

What happened:
While abroad, an elderly traveler struggled with an unfamiliar ATM. A “friendly” local offered help — and quickly swapped the real card with a fake one. By the time the traveler noticed, thousands were gone.

Lesson learned:
Never let strangers handle your cards. Ask for help inside a bank branch if needed.

How to Spot Travel Scams With the Help of Scam Watch Websites

Many government departments provide websites dedicated to educating the public about scams, regularly updating them with the latest scam alerts. If you receive an email, text, or phone message that seems suspicious, you can visit these websites to verify its legitimacy. The Australian Scamwatch website and AARP’s Scam Tracking tool (USA) are excellent resources for staying informed.”

Travel Is Worth It — Just Be Scam-Savvy

Traveling in your 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond is one of life’s greatest joys. With a little caution and some smart planning, you can stay safe and scam-free while enjoying all the adventures the world has to offer.

You’ve earned these memories — don’t let a scammer steal them.

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