Summer’s Hot. Scams Are, Too

Summer is a great time to relax, explore, and soak up some sunshine. Scams? Not so much. Unfortunately, as temperatures rise, so do reports of fraud, cyberattacks and identity theft—many of them tied to travel and vacation-related schemes. 

Whether you’re booking a last-minute getaway or just spending more time online, staying alert can help keep your summer carefree. Here’s what to know (and avoid) when it comes to summer scams. 

1. Fake Vacation Rentals 

That beachside bungalow or cabin in the mountains may look perfect online—but is it real? Scammers often steal photos from legitimate listings to create fake ones on popular platforms or social media. They’ll ask for payment upfront, sometimes through wire transfers or peer-to-peer apps, then disappear. 

Red flags to watch for: 

• The price seems too good to be true 
• The host rushes you to book outside of a reputable platform 
• Payment is requested via cash apps or gift cards 

Tip: Always book through trusted sites, verify reviews, and avoid off-platform communication. 

2. Phony Travel Deals 

Fraudulent travel agencies or pop-up websites may promise huge discounts on airfare, cruises or all-inclusive packages—then take your money and vanish. Others might “book” your trip but never actually confirm anything. 

Stay safe by: 

• Researching the travel company’s name and checking for complaints 
• Avoiding pressure tactics like “limited time offers” with no verification 
• Using a credit card when booking for better fraud protection

3. Wi-Fi Risks on the Road 

Public Wi-Fi at airports, hotels and cafés is convenient—but also a hotspot for cybercriminals. Hackers can intercept your data, steal passwords, or install malware when you connect to unsecured networks. 

If you’re traveling: 

• Avoid logging into bank accounts or shopping online over public Wi-Fi 
• Use a VPN (virtual private network) if you must access sensitive info 
• Turn off automatic Wi-Fi connections in your device settings 

4. Package Delivery Text Scams 

Ordering more online while you’re on the go? So are scammers. Fake “delivery failed” text messages and emails spike during busy travel months, tricking you into clicking malicious links or entering personal info. 

Here’s how to tell it’s a scam: 

• You didn’t order anything, or the carrier name is vague 
• The link is shortened or suspicious-looking 
• The message contains typos or urgent language 

What to do: Never click links from unknown senders. Go directly to the shipping company’s website to track packages. 

5. Social Media Sweepstakes 

Summer giveaways are everywhere online—but some are just bait. Scammers create fake social accounts and run phony contests to collect personal data or install malware. 

Be cautious of: 

• Promises of extravagant prizes with minimal effort
• Requests to “verify your identity” with a credit card or Social Security number 
• Pages with no history, few followers or generic usernames 

When in doubt: Stick with verified accounts and never give out sensitive info for a “free” prize. 

Primis Protects You Year-Round 

At Primis, your security is our priority. Our accounts come with built-in fraud monitoring, and our team is always here to help if something doesn’t look right. 

Think you’ve been scammed? Report it immediately to your bank and credit card providers, change your passwords, and monitor your accounts closely. It’s also a good idea to place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus. 

And don’t forget—education is one of your best defenses. Share this blog with friends and family so everyone can enjoy a safer summer. 

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The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations to any individual.