If you are an inexperienced traveler or want some extra security for a family vacation, be aware of common traps that could end up costing you. Without taking proper precautions, you might be booking a scam.

To make bookings safely, it is generally advisable to visit legitimate platforms such as FlightList that are designated for booking. Likewise, you’d want to avoid those websites that offer tickets and packages that are too good to be true.

There are many apps and sites used to book fun activities at your destination. Similarly, when booking taxis or other rides, opt for secure apps that verify drivers and allow online payment, rather than directly with the driver. This provides an extra layer of security and accountability compared to hailing a cab on the street. You can check out this taxi app for Montreal and Quebec to understand how this application can ensure a safer and more convenient experience, especially for travelers unfamiliar with the area. The same concept applies when booking other vehicles or transportation for your trip through trustworthy sites and applications.

While some of these apps and websites promise the trip of a lifetime, they may target vulnerable users and take advantage of their misinformation. Scammers may also create fake travel agencies or mimic trusted sites for booking accommodations, leading to consumers paying for non-existent or fraudulent reservations. This can result in financial loss.

Not just that, booking accommodations through fake sites can lead to unreliable or non-existent reservations, causing travel-based inconvenience and additional expenses for alternative arrangements.

Data and identity theft are another worrisome safety concern when making online bookings. Scammers create phishing sites that can successfully harvest personal information, such as email addresses, usernames, and passwords, which can be used for identity theft or other fraudulent activities.

This highlights the importance of making bookings and other travel-based reservations from authorised vendors and providers. And if you get to avail some good deals on tickets from vendor airline websites, you should prioritize them first. You’ll also improve your chances of staying safe by watching for the following.

• Counterfeit event tickets: Avoid community websites such as Craigslist when buying tickets. Scammers often promise excellent seats at great prices but require an up-front payment which could leave you ticket-less.

• Fake confirmation emails: For a legitimate site, you’ll receive a confirmation shortly after booking. If you receive a random email, perhaps a few days before the trip, asking to click a link to confirm the booking, call the hotel or airline directly.

• Pop-ups, promotional emails and texts: When browsing various websites on a public server, unsolicited pages may try to get your attention. While legitimate travel businesses do use marketing tools like pop-ups, specials and limited time offers to encourage booking, be aware that enticing links and pop-up pages that offer better deals and bargains may not be as good as they sound.

• Hacking unsecure networks: Don’t book or edit your trip through public Internet. Public Wi-Fi networks are often a gold mine for hackers and fraudsters. Connect with caution and try using the atlas vpn or other similar ones instead of the airport, hotel or restaurant Wi-Fi.

• High-pressure tactics: There are many marketing strategies done by third-party websites to stress the traveler into booking. Beware of misleading messages such as “few rooms left,” “number of other people who have this item in their cart” and “sale ends tonight!”

• Undisclosed fees: Some organizations will charge reservation fees and tack on hidden costs, so look closely and review the receipt of the trip details.

Taking control of your data and being mindful of Internet security can help you avoid online scams. Learn more about how travelers are affected with our accompanying resource.