Coupon Scams to Look Out For When Traveling: Protect Your Wallet and Peace of Mind

Traveling is exciting, but as we search for deals to make the journey affordable, scammers are ready to exploit those looking for discounts. Coupon scams specifically target travelers, often in unfamiliar places, and can lead to unexpected financial loss, privacy concerns, and headaches during a trip.

Fake Travel Discount Websites

What It Is:

Travel discount websites may appear legitimate, offering significant discounts or exclusive coupons for accommodations, tours, and flights. These websites may even use branding that mimics well-known travel sites. Once travelers try to book using these enticing deals, they’re directed to input personal information and payment details, which end up in the hands of scammers.

How to Spot It:

Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals: If a deal seems unusually cheap or claims "exclusive, last-minute discounts" that sound unrealistic, it could be a red flag.

Lack of Contact Information: Real travel websites provide customer support or contact details. Scam sites often omit these or have fake contacts.

How to Avoid It:

Verify Site Legitimacy: Stick to well-known booking platforms like Booking.com or Expedia.

Double-check URLs: Fake sites often use misspelled URLs to trick users. Look for “https://” and the correct spelling of the travel brand in the URL.

2. QR Code Scams in Tourist Areas

What It Is:
Scammers place QR codes on popular tourist locations, promising discounts at local restaurants, attractions, or shops. When scanned, these QR codes may lead to malicious websites that request personal or credit card information.

How to Spot It:

Unfamiliar Placement: If a QR code is randomly pasted on a wall, sign, or in public areas without any official branding, it could be a fake.

Unusual Requests for Personal Info: If scanning the code leads to a form that asks for extensive personal details, be wary.

How to Avoid It:

Use Verified Sources for Deals: Tourist information centers and official hotel websites often have verified QR codes for deals.

Double-check with Locals: If unsure, ask a local or staff member about current promotions.

3. Free Gift with Purchase Scams

What It Is:
The lure of a “free gift” with purchase, especially in foreign markets or street stalls, is popular with scammers. These deals often involve a hidden cost or require you to sign up for a membership or make a sizable deposit. Sometimes, tourists end up paying for unwanted items after being told they’re free.

How to Spot It:

Pressure to Purchase: If the vendor pressures you to buy something or sign up immediately, it’s likely a scam.

Hidden Terms: Terms might appear after purchase, indicating that a membership fee or additional charge is required.

How to Avoid It:

Ask Questions: Always clarify if there’s a membership or ongoing cost.

Trust Your Instincts: Don't proceed with the purchase if something doesn’t feel right.

4. Social Media Coupon Scams

What It Is:
Scammers increasingly use social media to promote fake travel coupons that claim to offer discounts on flights, hotels, or local attractions. Travelers who click on these links might end up on phishing sites designed to steal personal information.

How to Spot It:

Unverified Pages: Fake accounts often promote scams. If a page or account looks untrustworthy or doesn’t have verified status, avoid it.

Too Many Promises: Look out for “unlimited” or “one-time” offers that seem unrealistic.

How to Avoid It:

Use Official Brand Pages: Only follow and use offers directly from verified brand pages or accounts.

Research and Read Reviews: Before redeeming a social media coupon, check online reviews for the offer’s legitimacy.

5. Phishing Email Coupons

What It Is:
Phishing scams target travelers through emails, claiming to offer exclusive travel discounts. These emails often look like they’re from well-known companies, tricking travelers into clicking links that lead to fake sites.

How to Spot It:

Generic Greetings: If an email uses vague greetings like “Dear Customer” instead of your name, it’s likely a phishing attempt.

Suspicious Links: Hover over links to see if they lead to legitimate sites. Phishing links often contain misspellings or extra characters.

How to Avoid It:

Contact the Company Directly: Instead of clicking on links, go to the company’s official site or call to confirm the offer.

Use Email Filters: Set up filters in your email to detect phishing attempts, which may help to block similar emails in the future.

6. Fake Tourist Information Centers

What It Is:
Some scammers set up fake tourist information booths in busy tourist locations, offering travel advice and coupons that don’t work or direct tourists to pay inflated prices for tickets or tours.

How to Spot It:

Lack of Official Branding: Legitimate tourist centers are usually associated with government or tourism boards and display credentials.

Suspiciously High Fees: If they charge a high service fee or demand immediate payment for bookings, this is a warning sign.

How to Avoid It:

Verify the Center’s Legitimacy: Research the official tourist information centers before you go and use Google Maps or tourism board websites to confirm their location.

Look for Government Credentials: Check for official government or tourism board certifications displayed at the center.

7. App-Based Coupon Scams

What It Is:
Some scam apps advertise as coupon or deal aggregators for popular tourist destinations. These apps may be downloaded from unofficial sources, and once installed, they can access personal information or infect your device with malware.

How to Spot It:

Poor Ratings and Reviews: Scam apps often have poor reviews or none at all.

Permissions Warning: If the app requests excessive permissions, such as access to contacts, messages, or payment info, it’s likely a scam.

How to Avoid It:

Download from Official Stores: Only download apps from the App Store or Google Play, and check the reviews and ratings before installing.

Limit Permissions: Only grant permissions for the app to function, and be wary of requests for personal information.

8. In-Flight “Exclusive Deal” Flyers

What It Is:
Sometimes, “exclusive” travel coupons or discount offers are handed out on flights or included in in-flight magazines. However, some of these deals lead to scams, especially if they direct travelers to pay for a “discount package” in advance.

How to Spot It:

Unfamiliar Brands: If you’ve never heard of the brand, it’s a good idea to look it up and read reviews.

Demand for Upfront Payment: Be cautious if an offer requires an upfront payment to access the “deal.”

How to Avoid It:

Check with Flight Staff: Ask the flight staff if they’re familiar with the promotion before making a commitment.

Research the Offer: Look up the company’s reviews online, and don’t make payments for offers that can’t be verified.

9. Free Wi-Fi Voucher Scams

What It Is:
In some cases, scammers offer "free Wi-Fi" coupons or vouchers in exchange for filling out personal information forms. This information can then be used for identity theft or other scams.

How to Spot It:

Information Overload: If a Wi-Fi registration form requests excessive details, it’s suspicious.

Unsecured Networks: These networks are usually unsecured, meaning they’re more vulnerable to data theft.

How to Avoid It:

Use Secure Wi-Fi Only: Stick to Wi-Fi networks provided by verified sources like hotels or airports.

Avoid Sharing Personal Info: Avoid connecting to any network that asks for sensitive details beyond basic registration.

Conclusion

While coupon scams are evolving to be more sophisticated, staying vigilant can help travelers avoid falling victim. By knowing what to look for and taking a few extra steps to verify the legitimacy of deals, travelers can enjoy their trips without the financial and personal risks associated with scams.