Protect Yourself From Summertime Vacation Scams 

WALLINGFORD — As families, students, and friends gear up for summer travel, Connecticut Better Business Bureau warns of the following scams and travel headaches that could potentially plague consumers this summer:

*Criminals hacking Internet connections in hotels. The FBI recently issued a warning about scam artists who use Internet connections in hotels to gain access to consumer’s personal information using pop-up windows that appear as “software updates” on their computer screens.

BBB recommends avoiding pop-up windows and suspicious advertisements. Perform operating system and software updates before traveling, and only download updates directly from vendors’ websites.

*Scam artists posing as a distressed family member or friend. Con artists pose as vacationing friends or family members asking for money to be wired to help them get out of a jam. This scam can come in the form of an e-mail, phone call or social network message.

BBB recommends avoiding wiring money. Attempt to contact the friend or family member directly. If needed, call other family members or friends to verify the story.

*High-pressured travel club and sales pitches. Complaints to BBB show that many travel clubs promise huge discounts on hotels, airfare and cruises, but fail to fully deliver, despite the high cost of joining. In addition, complaints allege consumers felt misled and pressured into making an on-the-spot decision.

BBB recommends before signing up with a travel club, vacationers should do their research and check a company’s BBB Business Review at www.bbb.org.

*Sneaky cellphone data charges. When traveling abroad, some consumers do not realize their cellphone data plan does not cover the area in which they are traveling. Even though those travelers may not be using their phone, roaming charges may still apply. Some complaints to BBB allege consumers were unaware that their cell data service was still operating while they traveled outside of their coverage area.

BBB recommends before traveling abroad or anywhere outside of your coverage area, contact your service provider for specific details regarding your individual data and roaming plan and make appropriate changes prior to your departure. In your smart phone settings, ensure roaming, data and call features are disabled. Or remove the battery from your phone until you are back in your coverage area.

The Dark Side Of Social Media Updates

One of the biggest mistakes travelers can make is to alert the world to the fact they are not in town by updating or posting their departure and return dates on social media sites. Updates and tagged posts on sites like Facebook and FourSquare can alert criminals to your exact location, leaving your home and personal belongings vulnerable. 

BBB recommends keeping your travel plans offline until you return from your vacation. If you must update, review your privacy settings before you leave. Change settings so that posts do not identify where you are. Avoid being too specific with your vacation updates.

For more consumer tips, visit www.ct.bbb.org/consumers.