5 things you need to know to avoid hotel vacation scams

While planning your vacation this summer, make sure you're making the right reservation!

Edward Johnson III, president and CEO of the BBB of Metro Washington and Eastern Pennsylvania, says that scammers are creating fake websites that look and feel like real hotel websites. These hotel scams can cause vacation nightmares!

He gave us 5 things you need to know to avoid hotel vacation scams:

1. Make reservations on a computer monitor, not a cellphone!
Johnson says that bigger screens make it easier to spot illegitimate hotel sites. Also, people may be rushing while on their cellphones, and that's the easiest way to get scammed.

2. Go directly to the hotel site.
Whether it be the Marriott, Grand Hyatt, Best Western, or any other well known hotel chain, always book directly from their site for the most reliability.

3. Call the hotel.
Before leaving for your vacation, make sure to contact your hotel and confirm your reservation.

4. Check credit card charges.
Each month, make sure to check your credit card statements and make sure you understand each charge on there. If you spot something ambiguous, make sure to report it to the FTC.

5. If you experience a scam, REPORT IT!
If you believe you have been scammed by a fake hotel website, file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Make sure you keep any credit card charges to show as proof.

More Info: http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/did-you-book-night-hotels-site