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State Regulators Issue Warning On Vacation Scams
June 30, 2016
State financial regulators have issued a warning to Floridians and tourists to be on guard for vacation and travel scams. The Office of Financial Regulation posted the “consumer alert” regarding vacation rental, sweepstakes and social-media vacation scams that seek large upfront deposits, request personal information or ask for fees to be paid by a wire transfer or prepaid debt card. The state office advises people making vacation or travel plans to be wary of the word “free,” check the company’s direct website and verify a company’s license with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation or the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
by The News Service of Florida
Comments
One Response to “State Regulators Issue Warning On Vacation Scams”
I am sorry but if people must be CONSTANTLY reminded/told to not wire money to people then they have some serious issues.
If ANYONE contacts you (no matter the method of contact be it email, text, call, carrier pigeon, etc) and state you won something (lottery, inheritance, etc), or you get something free (cruise, vacation, etc) or try to scare you with threats of IRS or police warrants (threatening to have police arrest you unless you pay off a warrant immediately with money transfer or wired or a prepaid card) be weary. If it requires wiring money or loading PREPAID cards, HANG UP and report the call.
Another one is on Facebook and/or Craigslist offering a home for rent. It seems valid with photos and description but seems too good to be true. Trust me it is. (I found a home and sent email… they said they were working out of the country and I would have to wire them the money and they would send the keys…. they steal the info from VALID listings for sale/rent and have no authority to have any dealings with it).
PREPAID CARDS CANNOT BE REFUNDED. Once that money is gone IT IS GONE!
The scammers will only get you as a victim IF YOU LET THEM.
Just be SMART. If you get an unexpected call, keep your guard up. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
DO NOT BECOME A VICTIM TO A SCAMMER.