Who: The FTC tracks vacation and travel scams.
When to use: Use when you paid for a trip that did not exist or was misrepresented.
What to prepare:
- Company name
- Amount paid
- What was promised
FTC ReportFraud~5 min
Category: Prizes & charity
Vacation package & free cruise scam
How it often plays out
You get a call or pop-up saying you have "won" a free cruise or vacation and only need to pay "port fees" or "taxes." You pay; the trip never materializes or is worthless. Legitimate free trips do not require you to pay large upfront fees. If you have to pay "port fees" or "taxes" to receive a prize, it is not a prize—it is a sales pitch or a scam. The trip may never materialize or may be worthless. Verify any offer through the BBB or official travel sources before paying.
How to spot it
Common red flags: pressure to act immediately, requests for payment by gift card or wire, offers that seem too good to be true, or unsolicited requests for your personal or financial details.
Do's and don'ts
Do
- Verify the company through the BBB or official travel sources.
- Save all ads, emails, or phone numbers.
- Report to the FTC and, if you paid, to IC3.
Don't
- Pay "fees" or "taxes" to claim a "free" trip.
- Trust pop-ups or cold calls offering free cruises.
- Give payment info before verifying the offer.
Summary & what to do
Scammers offer "free" vacations or cruises and then charge fees, or sell vacation packages that do not exist. Real giveaways do not require you to pay to receive the prize.
What to do right now
- Do not pay "fees" or "taxes" to claim a "free" trip. Verify the company through the BBB or official travel sources.
- Save all ads, emails, or phone numbers.
- Report to the FTC and, if you paid, to IC3.
Where to report
Who: The FBI's IC3 handles internet-related travel fraud.
When to use: Use when the scam was online and you lost money.
What to prepare:
- Website or email
- Amount lost
Go to IC3~10 min
Build your knowledge: Recommended reading — books & free websites on financial literacy and fraud awareness