Ohioans planning holiday travel are being warned to watch out for vacation scams, with reports of fraud costing consumers millions of dollars.
The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions says Ohioans reported nearly 1,300 vacation-related scams in 2025, resulting in approximately $3.4 million in losses.
The problem is continuing into 2026, with 777 reports already filed and another $1.54 million in reported losses.
Officials say scammers often take advantage of busy holiday travel seasons, when people are rushing to book flights, hotels, and vacation rentals.
Some common scams include fake vacation rental listings, free vacation offers with hidden fees, fraudulent hotel calls requesting credit card information and heavily discounted travel deals promoted through robocalls.
Travelers are also being warned about fake transportation services, fraudulent travel documents and charter flight offers that promise unusually low prices.
Division Interim Superintendent Ingrid White says travelers should be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true and avoid feeling pressured to book quickly.
Officials recommend researching rental properties and travel companies before making payments, avoiding wire transfers, gift cards and cryptocurrency, and using a credit card whenever possible.
Travelers should also review their financial statements after returning home and report any suspicious activity.
Anyone who believes they have encountered a travel scam can report it to the Federal Trade Commission or the Better Business Bureau.
More information about consumer protection and filing complaints in Ohio is available through the Ohio Department of Commerce at com.ohio.gov.
