Scam websites targeting travelers booking airline tickets

While searching for cheap flights online, you come across what seems like a great deal with a major airline. You book the flight, either through the website or by calling a customer support number.

Shortly after making the payment, you receive a call from the company saying there has been a sudden price increase or an extra charge to finalize your booking. This is something a legitimate company would never do. It turns out you accidentally purchased tickets through a scam website or a phony customer service number. The price increase is a way to get more money out of you.

One Ohio consumer reported to the BBB Scam Tracker they booked flights for two people and received confirmation they would receive e-tickets shortly. The tickets never came, and on a call with the third-party ticket company, the representative informed them their flight would be canceled without an additional $500 per ticket. The consumer called the airline, and it had no record of their booking.

When booking a trip, BBB recommends the following tips:

—Verify the booking site. Before purchasing tickets, read all the fine print, cancellation policies and refund policies and research the relationship the booking site has with the airline. If you need to make a change, call the number where you purchased your original ticket or go to the airline’s website and contact them directly.

—Check the website security. Look for https:// before entering any personal or financial information. Use a credit card to retain the ability to dispute and cancel the transaction.

—Keep documentation. Save copies of confirmation messages, email communication, text messages and anything related to the transaction. Verify the customer service number provided in the communication.

—Research the airline. Check whether the airline uses third-party booking sites and compare flights and prices.

—Check BBB. Research complaints, reviews and ratings before booking. If you’ve spotted a scam, whether or not you’ve lost money, report it to www.BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help others avoid falling victim to scams. Find more information about scams and how to avoid them at www.BBB.org/AvoidScams.