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Are you dreaming of that Florida vacation full of sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, exciting theme parks, and the smell of sunscreen filling your nose?

Before you fall too deep into this delightful daydream, we’ve got something crucial to discuss – online scams.

Cybercriminals target travelers, especially those running off to the Sunshine State.

They plant sneaky traps designed to spoil your trip and swipe your hard-earned cash.

Rental rip-offs, counterfeit event tickets, and even fake travel packages are among the top scams directed at future Florida visitors.

This article isn’t intended to scare you out of your trip but more so to encourage a sense of mindfulness when it comes to your itinerary, like a travel guideline, per se.

Scam Alert: What to Watch Out For

Florida residents lost nearly $845 million from scams in 2022. So, if Florida’s residents aren’t safe, you cannot assume you are.

Keep an eye out for these common online scams that might dull the sunshine and rain on your parade.

Vacation Rental Rip-Offs

Scammers are experts at creating fake listings for drool-worthy vacation rentals that don’t exist. They’ll lure you in with stunning photos and amazing deals, only to ghost you once you’ve wired them money or provided personal information.

Remember the saying, if it’s too good to be true, it likely is.

One in four people who reported losing money to fraud since 2021 stated social media was the breeding ground for scams.

According to the FTC, Americans have fallen victim to fraud on social media platforms more than any other method of communication, even over websites, phone calls, e-mails, online advertising, or mail.

When eyeing that dreamy beach house or cozy apartment, protect yourself and take the cautious route by:

• Sticking to reputable rental platforms with verified listings.
• Reading current reviews from recent guests.
• Contacting the property owner directly to confirm the legitimacy.

And while it should go without saying, never wire money to someone you haven’t thoroughly vetted.

Phony Attraction Tickets

Florida is home to many famous theme parks and incredible concert venues. Don’t let the excitement blind you to potential pitfalls, like counterfeit tickets to these parks and events.

Scammers love preying on eager visitors by offering attractive discounts or last-minute deals, only to be disappointed at the gates.

Ensure you don’t get tricked into buying phony tickets by:

• Purchasing directly from an authorized seller or the official website of the attraction.
• Using caution and being suspicious of low prices.
• Declining sellers pressuring you to buy immediately.

Remember, genuine tickets come with a traceable purchase history and security features.

Fraudulent Travel Packages

An all-inclusive Florida getaway at an unbelievable price sounds pretty amazing, right?

Of course, it does, but don’t be fooled by these packages that reel you in like a fish off Florida’s coast. Nearly 29,600 fraud reports were recorded in the Sunshine State alone in the first quarter of 2023, the third-highest among the states.

Fraudulent travel packages often promise the world at a fraction of the cost, and naturally, our excitement takes over, and our senses get pushed aside.

That’s what these scammers want to happen–only to leave you stranded with hidden fees or nonexistent accommodations upon your arrival.

Regarding travel deals and packages, it’s best to err on caution. Protect yourself by:

• Researching the company offering the package thoroughly.
• Looking up reviews on multiple websites and platforms.
• Verifying contact information and credentials.

Remember, if they are even the least bit hesitant to provide details or begin to demand payment upfront, it’s a red flag!

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Safety Tips For When Visiting Florida

You’re well on your way to outsmarting scammers. Here are a few additional resources to help you stay safe and secure in your future travels.

Research, Research, Research!

Knowledge is power, and fortunately for us, the ability to access information is easier than ever.

Deep dive into reviews, scour different platforms, and compare prices and offers through multiple websites.

Keep in mind that trustworthy rental properties and legitimate ticket vendors will have a solid reputation and positive feedback from other travelers, and they won’t use scare tactics to encourage you to “act now.”

Use Secure Payment Methods

Stick to payment methods that offer built-in fraud protection. Credit cards or trusted online payment platforms are best, so definitely avoid wire transfers or payment requests that seem fishy.

Use an array of cybersecurity tools to protect your money online, and take advantage of a VPN sale to encrypt all your online activities.

Stay Alert for Red Flags

We’re not talking about red flags waving from the lifeguard station at the beach (although you should pay attention to those, too).

We’re talking about the red flags scammers often display, the little breadcrumbs of suspicious behavior they leave in their destructive path.

Be on the lookout for:

• Poor grammar or spelling errors in listings or emails.
• Sudden changes in payment instructions.
• Requests for personal or sensitive information.

Any of these red flags should immediately raise some awareness and warn you not to proceed with any type of purchase or disclose any information.

Stay Smart, Stay Safe

As you gear up for your thrilling Florida escape, don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and your smarts. Stay vigilant and keep these common scams on your radar. Do your homework, research reviews, trust your instincts, and protect your dreamy vacation from turning into a nightmare.

Your sunny stay in Florida should be filled with joy, peace, and sand – not scammers. Travel savvy and stay safe!