LAFAYETTE, LA. (KLFY)-- Thieves are posing as travel advisors, targeting those booking their vacations online.

Maegan Sonnier, owner of Travel Machine, a local, full-service travel agency, said they have received many reports from victims of travel scams.

Sonnier said a common scam is free vacation giveaways.

“You're being called and saying that 'Hey, you just won a free four-night vacation in the Caribbean. This is the information that I need,'” Sonnier said.

However, the information is then used to steal your money and your identity. The expert travel advisor said another way scammers do this is through misleading timeshares.

“People don't realize how long you're signing for, how much it's going to cost you," Sonnier said. "They have attorneys that literally only do timeshare law because they have that much business with it.”

Scammers trick you into signing up for a timeshare that is designed to steal your money.

Sonnier said when dealing with unsolicited calls, whether it's for a free vacation or timeshare, hang up and call the company they claim to work for to see if the deal is legitimate.

"I would call the company that they say that they work for," Sonnier said. "And ask them who is going to be charging my card."

Sonnier continued, "Ask them, 'How can I call you back?' A lot of times you can't call them."

These con artists are also targeting those who need help planning their vacation last-minute through online travel agencies.

"They have host agencies that let anybody sign up, and they can say that they're a travel advisor..." Sonnier said. "And that agency doesn't check any credentials. They don't check any insurance. They don't do any due diligence."

"They also have a lot of scams where you can sign up to be a travel agent, but that's not legit," Sonnier said. "They just want your membership money."

Kathryn Mobley, CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Acadiana, said this is why it's so important to use local, accredited travel agencies.

“Call your local travel agency, and go talk to a person," Mobley said. "Book an appointment, and then you know that they are an accredited business and they've been vetted.”

Here's how to avoid travel scams:

• Ask questions about unsolicited calls. If you are proclaimed the winner of a drawing, ask questions. If you don't recall signing up or have proof of entry, it's unlikely you would legitimately win.
• Look for the catch. Read contracts before signing or paying any money. Mandatory attendance for timeshares and certain events on vacation are red flags. Be sure you fully understand the refund policy before booking. 
• Ask for the location of corporate headquarters. To determine if a travel advisor is legitimate, determine if the business they claim to work for is real. Do not be afraid to ask for their independent qualifications before doing business with them.

Report scams to the BBB. If you'd like me to investigate a scam, send me an email at lmiller@klfy.com.

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