Greetings to my valued clients. And yes you are valued. Valued so much that I want to let know about the many travel scams that are going around now. I am sure you have had spam text messages, spam phone calls and spam emails and some looking very convicing. I have put together a list. Please print it as a reminder, share it with family and friends. Don't be a victim!

Don’t Get Hooked: How to Spot Travel Scams and Stay Safe on Your Adventures

First Things First: Stay Calm and Smart

Not every “amazing deal” is a red flag—but it pays to be cautious. Scammers rely on urgency, confusion, or a good story to get you to act quickly. With a few smart habits, you can avoid the drama and focus on the fun.

Common Travel Scams to Watch Out For

1. Fake Booking Websites

Scammers create lookalike sites for hotels, flights, or cruises—sometimes with nearly identical branding and logos. You book, pay... and the reservation never existed.

Tip: Always double-check the website URL. Whether or not you’re booking with me, you should be able to enter your booking number directly on the cruise line’s official website and see your reservation immediately. If you can’t, that’s a red flag. When in doubt, book through a verified platform or a trusted advisor (like yours truly ).

2. “Free” Vacation Calls or Emails

You’ve “won” a trip, but to claim it, you need to pay taxes or fees up front. Spoiler alert: the trip doesn’t exist—or if it does, it comes with a minefield of restrictions and upsells.

Tip: If it feels too good to be true, it probably is. Legitimate travel prizes don’t require upfront payment just to claim the win.

From the Travel Advisor’s Desk: Even I’ve looked into a few companies that offer vacation vouchers in exchange for taxes and fees—and while some are technically legit, they often come with red tape, blackout dates, and fine print that makes it hard to be comfortable taking the risk. I may reevaluate offering these in the future, but for now, I’m not comfortable recommending them to my clients. If I’m uncomfortable offering it to my clients, you probably shouldn’t take the risk either.

3. Fake Supplier Charges like “dock fees”

After you book, someone claiming to be from the cruise line or tour operator might contact you, asking for surprise charges or “required” fees. What’s especially alarming is that these scammers often seem to have detailed, accurate information about your trip—like your ship, dates, or even cabin number. We’re still not entirely sure how they’re getting this data, but it makes their requests feel legitimate.

Tip: When you book with **Kathy Hays Cruises**, your travel suppliers will never contact you directly asking for additional payments like “dock fees” or taxes. If you ever receive a suspicious message, reach out to me directly before paying anything.

4. Taxi Scams or Overcharging Drivers

In unfamiliar cities, tourists may be told a hotel is closed, the meter is “broken,” or taken on a needlessly long route. In cruise ports especially, rates can vary wildly if not confirmed in advance.

Tip:  Always agree on a price before getting in, especially in countries where meters aren’t standard. Many cruise ports have posted taxi rates—look for these signs and use official taxis when possible. When in doubt, ask me in advance and I’ll help you know what to expect at your destination.

5. “Friendly Locals” Offering Help (That You Didn’t Ask For

Sometimes, a seemingly kind stranger offers to help you buy tickets, use an ATM, or carry your bags—only to pick your pocket or demand a “tip” afterward. Another classic move? Offering to take your photo, then running off with your phone or camera.

Tip:  Be cautious of unsolicited help, even if the person seems nice. If you’d like a photo, ask a fellow tourist or use a tripod or selfie stick. Keep valuables zipped up and close, and trust your gut—if something feels off, it probably is.

6. Skimming Devices, Public Wi-Fi & ATM Tricks

ATMs in tourist zones may be rigged with skimming devices that steal your card info. Others may offer to convert the currency “for your convenience”—but at a terrible exchange rate. Similarly, public Wi-Fi can be a goldmine for hackers looking to intercept your data.

Tip: Use ATMs at banks or trusted locations, and always decline the currency conversion when prompted—your bank will almost always give you a better rate. Cover your PIN, check for loose parts on the ATM, and avoid logging into sensitive accounts over public Wi-Fi. A VPN is a great travel companion.

7. Restaurant Rip-Offs

You’re enjoying a lovely meal when the check arrives—and suddenly the prices don’t match the menu. Or you’re charged for more drinks than you ordered, especially if staff have been quietly clearing your table throughout.

Tip: Snap a quick photo of the menu before ordering so you have proof of prices. Keep your own mental or written tab of what you’ve had—especially drinks. Don’t be afraid to ask for a detailed receipt and politely dispute charges that seem off.

8. Fake Contact Info in Search Results

Even savvy travelers can get tripped up by this one. You’re trying to contact your cruise line, airline, or hotel and do a quick search online—only to click on a scam phone number or website that looks official but isn’t. Scammers are incredibly skilled at getting fake contact information to rank highly in search results or appear in ads.

Tip:  Always use the official website of the cruise line, airline, or hotel to find contact information. Bookmark those sites before you travel. Don’t rely on Google search results, ads, or third-party booking platforms when trying to reach a company.

From the Travel Advisor’s Desk: I’ve seen cases where people ended up on convincing fake websites or called phony numbers that looked legitimate. One quick call to me could’ve saved them the stress. If you’re ever unsure, just reach out—I’m happy to confirm what’s real and what’s not.

9. Facebook Phishing Scams Using Fake News

A newer tactic involves scammers posting sensational or shocking fake news stories on Facebook (often in travel groups or regional pages). These posts are designed to grab your attention and trick you into clicking a link. Once you do, you may be prompted to log in, give personal details, or unknowingly download malware.

Tip: Don’t click links from unverified sources, even if they seem relevant or urgent. Check the URL carefully—if it doesn’t clearly belong to a trusted news or travel outlet, skip it. When in doubt, search for the story on a reputable site instead of clicking directly from social media.

From the Travel Advisor’s Desk:  If something seems shocking or too wild to be true—especially if it comes with a link asking you to log in—it’s likely bait. I’ve seen these targeting travelers with headlines like “Cruise line cancels all sailings immediately”—all fake, and all designed to steal your info.

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How to Protect Yourself

Use a Travel Advisor such as myself. Kathy Hays Cruises

Booking with a certified travel advisor adds a layer of protection and expertise. I vet suppliers, verify offers, and support you before, during, and after your trip.

Get Travel Insurance

It’s not just for flight delays! Good travel insurance may protect you from financial loss due to fraud or theft while abroad.

Keep Copies of Key Documents

Scan your passport, itinerary, and credit cards and store them securely in cloud storage.

Watch Your Wallet—Literally

Wear a money belt or keep valuables close in crowded areas. Pickpocketing is still one of the oldest travel scams out there.

Keep Loved Ones Informed

Let someone back home know your general itinerary and how to reach you.

Please share this email with friends and family! Don't let them be a victim.

Kathy Hays Cruises

kathyhays.cruisebrothers.com my cobranded website that you can search for cruise destinations and get prices.