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Thinking about traveling soon? A survey commissioned in 2018 by the American Hotel and Lodge Association (AHLA) found 23 percent of consumers reported being misled by third-party travel resellers over the phone or online. That translated to 28.5 million hotel stays and over $5.2 billion in fraudulent hotel booking transactions, which caused extra fees, incorrect accommodations and even lost reservations. The AHLA states, "Some 55 million online hotel bookings are affected by fraudulent websites and call centers posing as hotel websites." Before booking a hotel room, consider the following tips from the Better Business Bureau and the American Hotel and Lodging Association:
- Purchase from the source. Whenever possible, book directly with the hotel or resort or through the official website of the hotel chain. The arrangements are directly with the business, and rest assured that you are sure of the legitimacy of the reservation. You will also be more likely to get proper credit for loyalty points (if you participate in that hotel’s program).
- Use reputable third-party sources. If you use a travel agency (online or bricks-and-mortar) or a third-party booking site, ensure the site is legitimate. Avoid trusting a website because it appears legitimate or near the top of online search results.
- Check BBB.org. No matter how the reservation is booked, research the hotel, travel agency, or online site at BBB.org to ensure they have a good reputation with previous customers. Read the complaints and customer reviews to see how well the company or site has handled previous problems. Look at their business profile to see if they are BBB Accredited.
- Plan ahead. The best hotel deals are often available far in advance. Planning will offer time to research different sites, compare options and amenities, and lock in a reasonable rate, plus it will lower the risk the destination will be all booked up.
- Be cautious online. Avoid broad searches like “best deals” or “cheapest rates.” Broad search terms can sometimes lead to websites that look official, but aren’t. Deceptive travel sites often pose as the actual hotel’s website, even using the hotel’s name in the URL and its logo and copyrighted images throughout the site. Double check the website address before providing credit card information.
- Be alert for travel scams. Watch out for phone calls or letters claiming that you’ve “won a trip” or websites offering prices too good to be true. It’s easy to extend questionable offers like these, but most leave hopeful travelers in limbo – and out money. Learn more about travel and vacation scams at BBB.org/travel.
- Buy only from secure sites. When buying anything online, look for the lock symbol in the web address to indicate a secure purchasing system. The URL should also start with https (the extra “s” is for secure). Always pay with a credit card, which offers more protection than debit cards, wire transfers, cash, or other payment methods.
- Know the payment and refund policies. Pay attention to the fine print before you sign a contract or click “I Agree.” Will your credit card be charged now or when you arrive at your destination? Is a deposit required, and is it refundable if your plans change? Are there any change fees if your travel plans need to be adjusted?
- No matter how you book, call the hotel a few weeks out to confirm the reservation. This is especially important during big events, conferences, or festivals when all hotel rooms may be booked. If you have any concerns, you’ll get a better sense of what’s legitimate and what’s not by answering the phone and asking the right questions. By taking this extra step, you can be sure you are protecting your personal and financial information, reservation, and loyalty program points.
For more information
Research businesses at BBB.org. File a complaint against a business at BBB.org/complain.
Learn more about scams. Report scams to BBB.org/scamtracker.
Visit BBB's Travel HQ for more tips and resources on your future travels.
Find BBB Accredited hotels and motels near you.
BBB Serving the Pacific Southwest contributed to this article.
The American Hotel and Lodging Association is a BBB National Partner and we thank them for sponsoring this information.