How to avoid travel scams when booking your next vacation

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - When you're booking a vacation or adjusting those vacation plans, a quick online search for customer service may seem like the best way to get help, but experts say one simple search can cost you big.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says scammers are setting up fake customer service websites that appear at the top of search results tricking travelers intro thinking they're dealing with real airlines, hotels, or travel agencies.

Joe Ducey, BBB's AVP of Public Engagement and Investigative Outreach says, "Instead of getting the real airline or travel business, they're getting a scam site. They're being talked out of hundreds, even thousands of dollars to make changes to reservations that could never happen."

Carlos, a Yuma local, says his friend experienced a travel scammer who stole over $40,000 from their savings account: "It was wiped out overnight, and so, that was a pretty sad, sad situation."

Carlos says to avoid this he makes sure to say informed and take precautions: "If it sounds too good to be true, it's probably not good, you know. It's a good scam...probably so just say informed. That's it. Be aware."

BBB says scammers will often pose as legitimate agents claiming there are extra fees to adjust your bookings expert say if they cant verify your reservation information details or ask for unusual forms of payment, hang up.

Ducey says, "If the customer service rep cannot give you details about your reservation, or you're asked to pay for fees that just don't make sense, hang up. Better yet, don't trust what comes up first on online customer service searches. Instead, log into your account and contact them or spend some time and find the real deal."

Experts say you should always do your research before you book and if you do get scammed, report it immediately.