Expedia mail scam
The Expedia mail scam!
Unfortunately, there are many scams circulating online and in the mail that claim to be from Expedia, a popular online travel agency. Here's what you need to know:
What is the scam?
The scam typically involves a fake email or letter that appears to be from Expedia, claiming that you have won a prize or have been selected for a special offer. The email or letter may look legitimate, with a convincing Expedia logo and a sense of urgency to act quickly.
How does it work?
The scammer may ask you to provide personal and financial information, such as your credit card number, password, or social security number, in order to "claim" your prize or "verify" your identity. They may also ask you to click on a link to a fake Expedia website, where you'll be asked to enter your information.
What are the red flags?
Here are some red flags to watch out for:
- Urgency: If the email or letter creates a sense of urgency, telling you that you need to act quickly to claim your prize or take advantage of the offer, it's likely a scam.
- Poor grammar and spelling: Legitimate companies like Expedia typically have professional writing and editing teams. If the email or letter is riddled with errors, it's likely a scam.
- Unsolicited contact: If you didn't request information from Expedia, and you're receiving an unsolicited email or letter, it's likely a scam.
- Request for personal information: Legitimate companies like Expedia will never ask you to provide sensitive personal or financial information via email or phone.
- Suspicious links: If the email or letter contains links that don't seem legitimate or are from a suspicious domain, don't click on them.
What should you do?
If you receive an email or letter that appears to be from Expedia, but you're unsure about its legitimacy, here's what you should do:
- Don't respond: Don't reply to the email or letter, and don't click on any links.
- Verify the information: Go to the official Expedia website (expedia.com) and check for any legitimate offers or promotions.
- Report the scam: If you're certain that the email or letter is a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and your email provider.
Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to online and mail scams. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is!