Scam Alert: Do Not Pack Your Suitcase For A Scam Vacation

As many Kentuckians begin to plan their summer vacation, Attorney General Andy Beshear is warning of scam calls offering deep discounts on travel to Orlando, Florida, and the Bahamas.

Beshear said his office issued a Scam Alert after Kentuckians in Bourbon, Boyd, Calloway, Fayette, Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison and Woodford counties have reported receiving vacation scam calls.

In a recording obtained by the Office of the Attorney General, a caller claims qualified travelers can book a weeklong vacation to Orlando, Florida, right next to Disney, and a three-day stay on a beach in the Bahamas for 75 percent off the retail rate. The caller says vacationers receive a complementary cruise to the Bahamas, a bonus gift and food.

Beshear said these type of calls often end with a victim providing an upfront payment and their personal and financial information in exchange for the promise of a luxury vacation they never get to take.

“The right thing for Kentuckians to do is resist the temptation to quickly book a vacation they have supposedly qualified for or won,” said Beshear. “Always verify and research a travel agency before providing personal or financial information.”

Beshear said not all vacation deals are a scam and offers the following tips to help Kentuckians spot and avoid scams.

• Watch for high-pressure tactics where a caller wants you to act quickly and pay upfront booking fees.
• Obtain booking and reservation confirmation numbers directly from the cruise company rather than the travel agency or agent.
• Do not send money via wire transfer, gift cards or cash.

Beshear said his office works to stay ahead of scammers by alerting Kentuckians when new and trending scams are reported in Kentucky. Kentuckians can sign up to receive Scam Alerts by texting the words KYOAG Scam to GOV311 (468311), or enroll online at ag.ky.gov/scams.

To report a scam to the Office of the Attorney General dial 888-432-9257 or file a consumer complaint online.