BBB: thousands of dollars lost due to scams targeting vacationers
Tips for families traveling with loved one with Alzheimer's
According to BBB's Cameron Nakashima, the BBB has received reports of travelers mistakenly modifying existing Expedia bookings through a lookalike site that closely resembles Expedia. The site — often found through online search ads — claims to offer flight and hotel reservations.
Several travelers reported booking flights or calling to modify tickets they thought were purchased through Expedia. But after payment, victims are left with fake confirmation numbers, no real bookings and no way to recover their money.
Reported losses range from $1,500 to $4,000.
So here are Nakashima's tips to avoid these types of travel scams:
When you need to make a reservation or edit a booking, start by going directly to official websites, not through search ads. Type the web address manually whenever possible. Or use the company's official app. Or if you're not sure, you can go to the company's listing on BBB.org to find their official contact information.
Keep your money safe. Whenever possible, make an online payment with a credit card so that it is easier to dispute charges if fraud occurs.
If ordering tickets through a third-party booking service or an airline you are not familiar with, always research the company at BBB.org to see ratings and complaints before making a purchase.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Insider
2 days ago
- Business Insider
Some travel advisors are using AI to help plan trips and boost business — and they're not afraid they'll be replaced
Some travel agents are leveraging AI tools to plan trips more efficiently and increase bookings. They said AI can't replace the personal touch and expertise of travel agents. This article is part of " How AI Is Changing Everything," a series on AI adoption across industries. Decades ago, travel agents held the keys to the world, crafting and coordinating trips for the everyday traveler. Then came Expedia, Google, and other online booking behemoths that shifted control directly to consumers, forcing agents to adapt. Now, another disruption has arrived: artificial intelligence. And while its ability to plan travel may have some agents feeling fearful once more, a new wave of travel advisors see AI not as a threat, but a tool. And they're leaning in. Booking travel with AI Athena Livadas owns Páme Travel, which specializes in booking five-star luxury travel. She uses AI daily to come up with high-level thoughts on routes or destinations, write emails faster, and drive her business. "Most travel advisors don't see the need, or even get offended, when AI is brought up in the context of travel planning. But I couldn't disagree more," she told Business Insider. "It's not replacing us. It's a tool that gives advisors super powers to deliver even more value." And according to her metrics, it's working. "When I look at a six-month period before and after I started using AI, my business has grown about 40%," she said. "Of course there are other factors involved, but the time AI saves me has definitely been a contributing reason. It has freed me up to take on more clients and focus on marketing and outreach efforts that actually drive business results." While there's no data yet on industry-wide adoption of AI tools, it's clear Livadas isn't the only one getting a boost from the technology. Fora, a digital travel agency with hundreds of advisors around the world, integrates AI internally in its own proprietary platforms where most advisors use it regularly. "Fora began rolling out AI-powered tools in the fall of 2023," said Jake Peters, the company's cofounder and chief product and technology officer. "These tools are integrated directly into the advisor workflow, whether it's drafting proposals, building itineraries, or creating marketing content." One tool, for example, helps format text to be easier to read and more client-friendly. "This feature is used 70% of the time when we are showing rates in our booking platform," Peters said. Another is a chatbot called Sidekick, which Fora has trained on all of its proprietary information, including trainings, help center articles, and hotel and destination information. "It's used by 25% of advisors each month, and 35% of advisors who are new to Fora," Peters added. Rita Carton, an advisor with Fora, estimates that AI — including Fora's internal tools and strategic use of ChatGPT for research — reduces her average trip planning time by 50%, cuts her client response time in half, and has increased bookings three times compared to last year. "A year ago, I could only manage two to three trips at a time and maybe five a quarter," she said. "In Q1 of this year, I successfully handled nine simultaneous trips, tripling my capacity without compromising service quality." AI may be helpful, but it can't do it all Whether or not other agents agree on the need to embrace AI, it's surely influencing how consumers plan travel. A Deloitte survey conducted from October 2023 to October 2024 found that the share of respondents who used generative AI for trip planning doubled from 8% to 16%. "I feel like we're at a similar age with AI that we were when the internet started to boom," Livadas said. "You either adapt and learn how to use it to better your outputs for clients, or you'll be left behind." That said, Livadas doesn't think AI is going to replace travel agents anytime soon. She warned that travelers should expect to get common, generic travel advice from AI rather than the off-the-beaten-path, hidden gems that travel agents can help uncover. "For example, if you're planning a trip to Japan, it'll probably spit out the usual Tokyo to Kyoto to Osaka route with big chain-brand hotels," she said. "But if I were building the itinerary and I knew the client loved surfing, I would include Kamakura, a small fishing village with a mellow longboard wave that's perfect in summer." These examples, she said, are exactly the kind of tailored touches AI routinely overlooks that travel advisors weave into itineraries every day. This disconnect is directly aligned with the one major thing AI can't replicate. "The travel agency is all about relationships," Carton said. "We go directly to the hotel after we book to get the manager, and I cannot tell you how many clients have told me they got upgraded or had surprises in the room as a result. You can't do that yourself." Indeed, personalized in-room perks, free upgrades, and moments meant to delight are hallmarks of the travel agent's touch. "A lot of the value we bring is relationship-driven, and that will never go away," Livadas said. "I personally know general managers of five-star luxury properties all over the world that will welcome my guests upon arrival with a personalized gift from me. How can a bot do that?"
Associated Press
5 days ago
- Associated Press
Legal Exit Associates Offers Attorney-Led Timeshare Contract Termination Services for Consumers
CARLSBAD, CA, UNITED STATES, August 15, 2025 / / -- Legal Exit Associates, a consumer rights protection firm maintaining an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, provides specialized legal services to help consumers terminate unwanted timeshare contracts. The company employs attorneys credentialed in consumer law to navigate the complex process of timeshare contract cancellation. The firm's timeshare resolution services focus on protecting consumer rights through proper legal channels. By utilizing attorneys who specialize in consumer protection law, Legal Exit Associates addresses the growing need for professional assistance in terminating timeshare agreements that no longer serve consumers' interests. Timeshare contracts often contain complex legal language and binding terms that make independent cancellation challenging for consumers. Legal Exit Associates' approach centers on leveraging consumer law expertise to identify legitimate pathways for contract termination while maintaining compliance with applicable regulations. The company's A+ Better Business Bureau rating reflects its commitment to ethical business practices and client service standards. This accreditation provides consumers with additional assurance when seeking assistance with timeshare contract issues. Legal Exit Associates serves clients nationwide, offering consultations to evaluate individual timeshare situations and determine appropriate legal strategies for contract termination. About Legal Exit Associates Legal Exit Associates utilizes attorneys specializing in consumer rights protection to assist consumers in terminating their timeshare contracts. The firm maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and employs attorneys credentialed in consumer law. For more information about Legal Exit Associates and their timeshare contract termination services, visit Press Team Gulf Coast Brands LLC email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
No passport, no problem: 2 Southern California towns that feel like Europe
While an international jet set trip may not be feasible, California travelers need not abandon their dreams of a European summer. This summer, idyllic destinations such as Gran Canaria in Spain and the Campania region in Italy trended among travelers, according to Expedia's Summer Travel Outlook. Those who are yearning to sip on an Aperol spritz in Positano but can't make the journey can find a similar experience right here in California. More: These unique campsites near Stockton are among 15 in California ranked best in US In the Golden State, there are several charming destinations offering the same iconic European ambience and natural beauty without the price tag – or effort – of crossing oceans. Here's another bonus: no passport needed. Here are two domestic gems to sub in for a dreamy European getaway, according to boat-renting platform Boatsetter. 'Luxury that resonates': These 4 California cities offer the most enviable lifestyles in the US Italian Riviera for Catalina Island, Calif. Catalina Island seems like miles away from the U.S., even though it's just an hour off the coast of Southern California. The island's picturesque mountainous backdrop dotted with cliffside homes overlooking crystal-clear waters, plus a quaint main street and beach club, lends to the feeling of an Italian escape. "Catalina Island has an Italian Riviera vibe, and it's an easy day trip from Los Angeles or Long Beach," said Choate. "Rent a boat with a captain and snorkel the coves around the island before stopping in Avalon for ice cream." 15 must-see waterfalls in California: Hidden gems and iconic views The Mediterranean for Santa Barbara, Calif. Located less than two hours from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is known as the American Riviera for its chic and sunshine-drenched atmosphere, according to Travel + Leisure. "Santa Barbara has this effortless blend of California cool and European charm – white-stucco buildings, breezy marinas," said Choate. Travelers can enjoy the beaches tucked under cliffs, sip wine at one of the several wineries or explore the shops and restaurants along the pier. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dreaming of a European escape? You don't need to leave California Solve the daily Crossword
