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- Watch for texts asking for payment or verification with urgent time limits; these are common signs of a scam.
- Beware messages containing confirmation numbers and reservation details used to appear legitimate.
- Do not click links or reply; instead contact the hotel or company using a known phone number or website.
- Follow FTC advice: legitimate companies will not request account information by text.
- Protect bookings with travel insurance or credit cards offering strong fraud protection.
A new scam has travelers on high alert. The scam reportedly involves sophisticated text messages sent to travelers alerting them they must enter additional payment details to keep their booked reservations, according to a Reddit thread. The fake message then asks travelers to verify their details “to keep your reservation secure.”
“This process is quick and completely safe—no payment will be charged,” the message allegedly reads, according to the Reddit post, adding, “If we don’t receive verification within 24 hours, the system may automatically cancel your booking—so it’s best to complete it soon.”
The false message apparently contains specific details like a traveler’s confirmation number, reservation dates, and the hotel’s information, according to the post.
The original poster who alerted travelers to the potential scam warned them not to reply directly to the message but to instead contact their hotel directly. “Welcome to the new normal,” the poster wrote on the thread. “Be diligent.”
Travel + Leisure was not able to independently verify the claims of the social media post.
In general, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) discourages travelers from clicking on links from suspicious text messages, especially if they weren’t expecting to receive the message and it requests personal or financial information.
If you think the message might be real, contact the company using a phone number or website you know is real. Not the information in the text message,” the FTC wrote in its advice, adding, “Legitimate companies won’t ask for information about your account by text.”
These fake messages aren’t the only scam travelers should be aware of this holiday season. A report from Mastercard earlier this year revealed travel scams related to the early planning process rose more than 12 percent in 2024 compared to 2023. These include “manipulated destination photos, fake confirmation links, and false offers,” according to the company.
Mastercard also noted fraud can increase by up to 28 percent in popular tourist destinations during peak seasons.
And recently, scammers have reportedly started stealing passenger’s luggage tags in order to file fraudulent claims with the information and seek compensation for a lost bag. To avoid being targeted, travelers on Reddit have recommended fellow passengers discard their luggage tags at home or shred them.
To protect themselves from potential scams, travelers should consider investing in travel insurance or booking their trips with credit cards with strong fraud protection.
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