Most travel scams work because people are tired, excited and in a hurry. Slow is a security feature.
Booking red flags
- Prices far below every trusted site for the same dates.
- Sellers who refuse to use a known platform or card payment.
- Countdown timers on websites you have never heard of.
- Holiday rentals with stolen photos (reverse-image search helps).
On the ground
- Unofficial “airline” staff at arrivals.
- Petitions, bracelet gifts, and sudden petitions for cash.
- Taxis without meters or clear pricing — agree the fare first.
Featured photo via Unsplash.