Labor Day Holiday Travel Scams Rise Across Georgia and the US, Targeting Vacationers With Too-Good-to-Be-True Deals. This long weekend brings excitement, last-minute trips, and family getaways, but it also fuels a sharp rise in holiday travel scams. In Georgia and across the US, scammers are targeting vacationers with fake rentals, phishing emails, and shady websites that dangle too-good-to-be-true deals. As summer shifts to fall, many travelers rush to book cheap flights, luxury stays, or discounted car rentals, creating the perfect opening for fraud. Victims often pay upfront only to discover the reservation never existed. By using trusted platforms and safe payment methods, vacationers can lower their risks. This Labor Day, the smartest move is to remember that the best deal is the one that is real, not the one meant to steal.

Scam Season Ramps Up Around Labor Day

BBB warns that Labor Day weekend is prime time for travel scams. As travelers make last‑minute plans, scammers strike with fake vacation rentals, bogus hotel or car deals, phishing emails, and flashy social‑media ads that seem too good to be true.

A local outlet, 23ABC, shows how vacation rentals get hijacked: scammers pretend to be hosts and ask for off‑platform payments through apps like Venmo or CashApp. They send a fake receipt, vanish, and you get no property and no refund.

Travel Scams on the Rise All Year Long

The problem isn’t just Labor Day. Booking.com data shows a jaw‑dropping 500–900 percent increase in travel scams over the past year, many powered by AI‑driven phishing or impersonations.

Globally, BBB’s Scam Tracker logged hundreds of cases involving fraudulent booking sites, travel agents, timeshare resale firms, and fake visa services—with destinations like Cancun, Bangkok, Delhi, and Barcelona especially at risk.

The Scams You Need to Know About

Fake Vacation Rentals

Scammers list stolen or fictional properties on real platforms. They push you to pay off‑platform—and you end up with nothing.

Timeshare Resale Scams

Impersonators promise to help you sell your timeshare—ask for fees upfront and disappear, leaving you empty‑handed.

Flight and Travel Agent Frauds

Fake airline confirmations, bogus tickets, and impersonated travel agents are top frauds. From April 2024 to April 2025, U.S. travelers filed over 1,500 related reports, losing some $2.6 million.

AI-Powered Phishing

Bogus emails mimic booking platforms with alarming urgency. In Australia, Booking.com warned of a 900 percent rise in AI‑powered phishing attempts. These reach inboxes with uncanny realism, urging you to act fast.

Social Media and Fake Deals

You might see an amazing deal for a hotel or cruise. These often lead to phishing forms or pressure to pay too early.

Real Cases from the Field

BBB Scam Tracker shared recent instances—including:

• A fake MSC Cruises booking costing a victim $300
• A bogus Fort Worth travel show offering “free” cruises but no payoff
• A timeshare “exit service” costing a couple thousands before disappearing

These aren’t just numbers—they’re stories of people caught in the rush to save money or embrace freedom. It can happen to anyone.

How to Stay Safe – Smart and Simple

1. Book Only Through Verified Platforms

Stick to legitimate platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. Never take booking off‑site—even if someone insists on a discount.

2. Protect Your Personal Info

Double‑check URLs—look for https:// and the right domain. If the site looks odd or the grammar is off, back away.

3. Use Credit Cards

Credit cards offer better protection for disputes. Avoid payments through Venmo, wire transfers, cash apps, or crypto—they’re hard to recover.

4. Slow Down!

Scammers count on urgency. Pause when you encounter “limited time” or “act now” offers. Always ask for documentation and confirmation.

5. Verify Through Official Channels

Need to confirm a reservation? Contact the company directly using info from their official website—not a link given by someone who reached out unsolicited.

6. Report It

If something feels off—or you suspect a scam—file a complaint with BBB Scam Tracker and FTC’s fraud reporting site.

A Last-Minute Reminder

I’ve told you how the rush of summer deals can open you up to scams. But you don’t owe anyone a fast decision—or a risky payment. Your safety, and your money, matter. Take a breath, verify, use smart payment methods, and travel with peace of mind. Wishing you safe adventures ahead—even as summer fades.