If you’re in the process of booking a hotel, beware of this hotel booking scam!
Just because it looks like a duck, quacks, like a duck, and walks like a duck, does not always mean it’s a duck.
It may be an imposter.
The same thing applies when booking a hotel room.
It may look like what you want, the pictures may reassure you that you are on the right site, the web address may even appear right, but it may be an imposter.
Redirect links and hotel booking scams are common.
Before you book, take a minute to ensure you will actually get the room for which you are paying.
My Story
Recently when I was booking a hotel, I was on high alert.
My sister’s experience was fresh in my mind.
She booked online through what she thought was an official hotel site, only to end up being charged an astronomical fee for her room.
Upon questioning the manager, she learned that the link she used unknowingly redirected her to a third-party site.
Not only could he not help, since her issue was ultimately with the third-party agent, her credit card company couldn’t intervene because she had authorized the charge.
Honestly, she was fortunate it was a redirect and not an outright scam. At least she actually had a room.
Before entering my credit card information, I wanted to ensure I didn’t fall prey to a hotel booking scam.
Fortunately, once you know what you’re looking for, the imposters are pretty easy to spot.
Spotting the Imposters
Scrutinize the Address Bar
Look for the “tune” or “padlock” icon in the address bar.
The presence of either of those icons indicates a secure site.
If they are missing, it’s likely the site is not secure.
If the site’s not secure, take a pass and move on.
Note: website addresses of secure sites start with https://, whereas nonsecure sites simply start with http, and just know that scam sites can be secure sites too.
Click on the “tune” or “padlock” icon in the address bar.
The domain name will be displayed, and it should be one you feel sure belongs to the hotel through whom you want to book.
For example, you should see hotelname.com and not hotelname.bookings.com.
Other Ways to Spot Imposters
The Copyright
Scroll to the bottom of the webpage and inspect the copyright.
Who owns it? If it’s not the hotel you were expecting, it’s not their official site.
The Logo
Does the logo look “off”?
If so, beware, you may be on an imposter site.
Make a Phone Call
Calling the hotel direct is an option, as long as you know you have an official phone number to the hotel, or reservation line.
Scam sites have phone numbers too.
And a Little More
A Note on Third Party Sites
Not all third-party sites are “bad”.
Some save you some serious cash.
If you intentionally choose to book through a third-party site, take the same precautions as you would if you were booking direct.
However, beware that if there’s an issue, and you’ve used a third-party site to book any kind of travel, the hotel staff will be unable to assist.
You will need to take up the issue with whomever you booked.
Take Advantage of AI
I’m just now learning to embrace AI, and while writing this post, I decided to experiment.
I asked Microsoft CoPilot to find the official site and phone number of all Hampton Inns in Erie, PA.
The search results were the direct links to the only two Hampton Inns in Erie.
Going forward, my first search will be using an AI tool.
Are you getting ready to book a hotel?
Take the time to ensure you’re booking exactly what you think you are and don’t get caught off-guard by a common hotel booking scam.
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