July 8, 2022

This summer is a scorcher. But it’s not just rising inflation trying to burn a hole in your wallet — it’s those sleazy scammers. As you lower your guard while on vacation or relaxing at the beach, fraudsters are turning up the heat on their hot weather scams. Stay cool and put their attempts on ice by learning about these cons that pick up during summer break.

Vacation Scams

Home rental apps are popular with extended families and large groups who want to vacation together while saving money. Instead of booking multiple hotel rooms, splitting the cost of a single  vacation home could leave you with more cash to spend on other summertime activities.

Crooks hope you’ll choose one of their fake vacation rental postings, believe their lies about needing to sell a non-refundable booking for a fraction of the original price, or rush to hand over financial details to grab a deal before it’s gone.

Concert Ticket Scams

Live entertainment tickets sell out fast. High demand to see in-person shows creates an opportunity for scammers to get in line and steal your cash. These criminals set up fake ticket sale and distribution websites that claim to offer deep discounts or access to sold-out concerts.

They might also post tickets for sale on Craigslist, online neighborhood forums, or other places fans might convene. Fall for their scheme, and the most you’ll receive are invalid tickets that won’t grant you entry to the event.

Summer Job Scams

Teens aren’t the only ones looking to earn cash during summer break. Teachers, seniors, and college students also seek seasonal employment making them potential targets for summer job scams. Bad actors pose as employers and post online ads for temporary help. Some will ask for an application fee. Others will claim they need your full Social Security number and other sensitive information to complete an online background check.

Once you pay the fee, submit application forms, or both — the crooks vanish. They not only pocket the cash, but your personal information is sold to other fraudsters who use it to apply for credit in your name.

Moving Scams

Summer is prime moving season across the country. Fraudsters can be found at any stage of a move that requires the exchange of money. They may pose as moving carriers, landlords, or storage companies. It’s not just the too-good-to-be-true deals that lure unsuspecting victims. People also fall for moving scams when they’re in situations that require them to relocate quickly.

Protect Yourself from Hot Weather Scams

Use these tips to help protect your finances while enjoying the summer with family and friends.

  • Pay for expenses with a credit card, since they provide valuable consumer protections against fraudulent purchases.
  • Purchase event tickets from trusted sources, not online strangers.
  • Never share your Social Security number with a potential employer you’ve never met or researched.
  • Check the Better Business Bureau complaint record of any company you plan to use to assist with a relocation.
  • Read contracts in full before signing them, and ask questions about anything you do not understand.
  • Stay alert to active scams in your area with the AARP Fraud Watch Network Scam-Tracking Map.

Scammers only succeed when victims are unaware of their schemes. Share this article with those you care about to keep them safe this summer.

If you suspect fraudulent activity on your HawaiiUSA account, report it immediately. You can also help fight scams by reporting them to local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission. These agencies often work together to educate the community about scam activity.