Tips for outsmarting scammers

Updated 

Here are a few precautions you can take:

  • Check that the web page from which you make the booking is legitimate and secure. Sometimes scammers use sophisticated sou plantation techniques (tips: No terms and conditions, no business address, SSL security certificate, poor web design, poor content of the web, etc).

  • Confirm the sender’s identity before replying to email requests and before opening attachments or clicking on links, even if they appear to come from a legitimate source. If you receive a request for payment outside the platform or from an email address that does not end in @exoticca.com

  • Call us to validate communications originating from Exoticca.

  • Request other personal information unrelated to a previous service issue.

  • Request wire transfers or payment information through text message.

  • If you think you’ve received a fraudulent phone call or are in contact with an imposter, hang up or end the conversation immediately.

  • Do not click on any suspicious links, double-check the sender and delete any suspicious emails.

  • Do not engage further and take note of how you came into contact, such as the phone number you dialed, the contact information displayed, and any other identifying information provided by the scammer.

  • Never post your email address or other reservation information publicly.

Here are some things Exoticca’s customer service team will never do:

  • We will never request a gift card in exchange for services.

  • We will never ask you to share your credit card information in an email.

  • We will never call or send an email asking for account passwords.

  • We will never request a wire transfer or payment to a bank account other than the one shown below:

Common Scams to Avoid:

  • Search engine and gift card scams

Fraudsters will buy fake ads with illegitimate contact information for well-known companies to pose as agents in an effort to ensnare people searching for online support numbers.

These imposters will request gift cards in exchange for services such as a trip refund or flight change, wire transfers, or request for sensitive personal information. They may even use an itinerary look-up tool using information gathered from unaware victims to view real trip details to gain trust.

  • Phone call scams

Scammers will use “spoofing” technology to make telephone numbers look legitimate and then claim a customer has won a prize from Expedia such as cash, trips or credits for future travel.

In exchange, the very convincing scammers will ask for personal information including name, address, payment information, and social security.

  • Email scams

Phishing is a scam where a criminal sends an email asking for personal information while tricking the recipient into clicking on a link, opening an attachment, or directly providing sensitive information.

The emails can be quite convincing as they appear to come from established businesses or organizations, and sometimes even link to legitimate-looking websites. Always confirm the sender’s email address is legitimate.



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