Spring is finally here, and that also means vacation season is upon us. Your BBB® reminds you to watch out for vacation schemes that may leave you without relaxation and without money.

Schemers out there know that now is the time when consumers begin to look for that vacation getaway, and they have many tricks to steal your money. They may create fake websites that look very real and may use the names and logos of popular hotel chains. By using these sites, you not only won’t have a reservation, but will most likely be out money from the credit or debit card used to “hold” the room.

Sometimes they post amazing pictures of the view from homes and condos on property sharing sites or Craigslist. Some of the homes and condos are real and some are fake. In either case, the schemer will pose as the owner and offer it for rent at price that will grab your attention. Unfortunately for those that may take up the offer, their accommodations will either not exist or be inaccessible to them.

Consumers may also receive post cards or emails promising great travel packages or “free” cruises. Like the rental properties, some offers may be real and some may not be. If the offer actually exists, you may be limited in when you can use the offer so read the fine print carefully.

So how do you avoid taking a vacation to nowhere? Your BBB and the FTC have tips to help you avoid scams.

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