The Better Business Bureau serving Acadiana is warning of a scam that involves booking airline tickets. Be careful when using third party booking sites, some sites are fraudulent and scamming travelers out of money.
According to the BBB, the scam usually happens when the victim purchases an airline ticket using a company that claims to be affiliated with a major airline. The fake sites apparently look legitimate with representatives that sound convincing.
If you plan on booking a trip this summer make you do your research before divulging financial information. The BBB recommends verifying the booking site. Give the website a thorough inspection. Read the fine print and policies. If you are stuck in the airport because a flight was canceled before you book, make sure you go directly to the airlines website to get contact information. And see if the major company even uses third party sites to book tickets.
Never enter your personal information before checking website security: Look for the https:// and use a credit card to retain the ability to dispute and cancel the transaction.
Research complaints, reviews, and ratings before booking. If you’ve spotted a scam (whether or not you’ve lost money), report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
For ways to protect yourself from travel scams, go to BBB.org/TravelScam.
If you’ve been a victim of an airline ticket or other travel scam, please report your experience at BBB.org/ScamTracker.
ABOUT BBB:
“Look for the Seal” and Start with Trust®. BBB Serving Acadiana is a private non-profit organization. BBB strives for a trustworthy marketplace by maintaining standards for truthful advertising, investigating and exposing fraud against consumers and businesses.
Please contact Better Business Bureau at (337) 981-3497 24 or bbb.org 24 hours a day for information on businesses throughout North America.
BBB Serving Acadiana services the parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Martin, St. Landry and Vermilion.
SOURCE: BBB SERVING ACADIANA