Third Party Booking Scams

Are you planning a vacation this summer? 

My sister-in-law recently booked hotel rooms through a third-party copy of a legitimate website. It was a mess! On arrival, she couldn’t get the discounts she qualified for, nor one of the rooms that she had booked.

Unfortunately, more and more travelers are getting tripped up by third-party booking scams. A deal pops up online showing discounted flights, a beautiful rental, or a hotel at a price that’s too good to ignore. You click, book it, pay, and then discover you’ve been scammed.

So how can you protect yourself? First, book directly with the airline, hotel, or official rental website. Third-party sites can be legitimate, but they’re also where many scammers hide. Going straight to the source reduces your risk. Second, be cautious of prices that seem unusually low. Scammers use urgency and deep discounts to get quick decisions. If it feels too good to be true, pause and check before you commit.

And third, verify the listing and use secure payment methods. Avoid wiring money, using debit cards, or payment apps when booking a reservation. I recommend using a credit card because of the protection it offers. Proverbs 22:3 and 27:12 remind us that “the prudent see danger and take refuge.” That’s not fear. It’s wisdom. Some extra diligence now can save you from a lot of stress later because a vacation should create memories, not financial headaches.

And if credit card debt is preventing you from taking a vacation, Christian Credit Counselors can help. They’ll create a debt management plan that will work for you. For more information, visit online at crown.org/ccc.