1. Vacation Rental Scams
Scammers are known to create fake vacation property listings. These con artists post enticing listings for beach houses, mountain cabins, and city apartments at rates far below market value, using pictures copied from legitimate rental sites. Victims send deposits via wire transfer or gift cards, only to arrive and find empty lots, nonexistent addresses, or properties belonging to unsuspecting homeowners who are unaware of the supposed rental.2. Booking Site Scams
Technology has provided fraudsters with powerful tools to create convincing travel platforms that closely mimic legitimate services such as Expedia or Booking.com, often using URLs with subtle misspellings that fool rushed travelers. These sophisticated websites feature professional layouts, bogus customer reviews, and official-looking confirmation numbers. After collecting payment information, these platforms either issue worthless confirmations or simply vanish, leaving travelers stranded without valid reservations.3. Vacation Prize Scams
Free summer vacation “winners” never actually entered any contest, but criminals rely on the thrill of unexpected good fortune to cloud judgment. These thieves contact targets through unsolicited calls, emails, or texts claiming they’ve won luxury resort stays or cruise packages that must be redeemed before Labor Day. To claim the “prize,” you must pay processing fees upfront or provide sensitive personal information for “verification.”4. Transportation Scams
Air and ground travel fraudsters target both deal-seekers and travelers facing genuine emergencies. Fake airline websites offer suspiciously cheap tickets. These schemes collect payment information and personal details, then issue counterfeit tickets or simply steal your money.Smishing and phishing attacks send false text or email messages about flight cancelations to trick travelers into sharing credit card or passport information. These tactics often work since they mimic legitimate carriers by asking you to “confirm” booking details through urgent links.
Meanwhile, unlicensed taxi drivers, fake car rental agencies, and rigged transportation services target tourists in popular destinations, overcharging for services or demanding advance payments for vehicles that don’t exist.
How to Protect Yourself From Vacation Scams
Don't let vacation excitement override your financial common sense.- Avoid vacation rentals that demand immediate payment through wire transfers or gift cards.
- Skip rentals that advertise unrealistically low prices for premium locations.
- Verify rental properties by calling the actual property owner or the management company directly. Legitimate owners welcome verification calls.
- Always book through verified websites by typing URLs directly into your browser rather than clicking on hyperlinks.
- Never pay for “free” prizes, even if it seems like a small fee.
- Research transportation options before traveling, and use only licensed services recommended by hotels or official tourism boards.
- Be especially wary of unsolicited communications claiming there are problems with your bookings.
If you believe your HawaiiUSA account was used in a vacation scam, contact us immediately at (808) 534.4300 on Oahu or at toll-free (800) 379.1300. A HawaiiUSA representative can provide details on steps to take to protect your account.
You can also report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission and your state attorney general’s office. These agencies work to investigate fraud and educate the public about scam activity in your area.
