Introduction
Travel scams are on the rise, targeting unsuspecting travelers. This article discusses two new phone scams that have recently affected cruise vacationers.
Scam 1: Fake Cruise Cancellation
One common scam involves a phone call from someone posing as a cruise line representative. The caller informs the victim that their cruise is canceled and offers to help rebook the trip for a new deposit. Recently, a viewer of JJ Cruz received such a call from a scammer claiming to be from Royal Caribbean. The scammer tried to collect a new deposit under the guise of rebooking the cruise. The viewer sensed something was wrong and hung up without providing any information.
Scam 2: Fake Hotel Front Desk Call
Another sophisticated scam targets travelers at their hotels. After checking into a hotel, a family received a call supposedly from the front desk, claiming their credit card had failed. The caller asked for the credit card number and security code to update the reservation. The traveler wisely refused to give the information over the phone and went to the front desk in person, discovering that the call was a scam. The front desk confirmed they had not made the call, indicating the scammers had called the hotel and requested to be transferred to the room.
How to Protect Yourself
To avoid falling victim to these scams, follow these simple steps:
- Hang up and call back: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and call the cruise line or hotel directly using their official contact information.
- Verify in person: For hotel-related issues, visit the front desk in person to verify any requests for information.
- Be cautious with unsolicited calls: Never provide personal or financial information to unsolicited callers.
Conclusion
Travel scams can ruin your vacation, but being vigilant and taking simple precautions can help you avoid becoming a victim. Always verify suspicious calls by contacting the company directly and never give out personal information over the phone unless you are certain of the caller’s identity.
Share Your Experience
If you have encountered any travel scams, share your story to help others stay informed. Contact JJ Cruz at JJCruise.com to report any new scams or book a cruise. Stay safe and enjoy your travels.
