Summer in Central Oregon has a way of getting us moving. Maybe you’re planning a road trip, booking a cabin near the mountains, heading to the Coast, or flying out to visit family. Wherever your plans take you, it’s worth taking a few extra minutes to make sure your travel details—and your money—are protected.

Scammers know travel season is busy. They also know that a great deal can be tempting when hotels are filling up and vacation rentals are going fast. One common scam involves fake rental listings. A listing may show beautiful photos, a low price, and a friendly “owner” who asks you to pay outside the booking platform. Once the deposit is sent, the listing may disappear—or the property may not be available at all.

Before you book, pause and look for a few red flags:

  • Prices that seem much lower than similar listings in the area.
  • Limited photos, vague descriptions, or details that do not match the location.
  • Pressure to pay quickly before someone else books the property.
  • Requests for payment by wire transfer, gift card, cryptocurrency, or payment apps to someone you do not know.

A safer approach is to book through reputable travel websites and keep payments on the official platform whenever possible. If you are renting a home or condo, compare the listing across trusted sites, search the property address, and look for consistent reviews. If something feels rushed or unusual, slow down. A legitimate host or travel provider should be willing to answer questions and provide clear details.

👉 When in doubt, go directly to the company’s official website instead of clicking links. Enjoy the season, and don’t let scammers ruin your well-earned getaway

Phishing is another travel-season concern. Scammers may send emails or texts that look like they came from an airline, hotel, rental platform, or travel site. These messages often use urgent language, such as “confirm your booking now” or “your trip is at risk.” Instead of clicking the link, go directly to the company’s official website or app and check your reservation there.

It’s also smart to protect your accounts while you’re away. Avoid checking financial accounts over public Wi-Fi, use strong passcodes on your devices, and turn on transaction alerts so you can spot unfamiliar charges quickly. If your card is lost, stolen, or used fraudulently, report it right away.

At Mid Oregon, we want you to enjoy your summer plans with confidence. A little extra awareness before you book, pay, or click can help keep your getaway focused on what matters most: time with the people and places you love.

For more tips on protecting your personal information, visit Mid Oregon’s Security and Fraud Page: https://ow.ly/hjHm50V9XE1 [ow.ly].