During the fall season, the Adirondack Mountains in northeastern New York attract thousands of tourists eager to enjoy the stunning landscapes and vibrant foliage. However, this influx of visitors also brings out opportunistic scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting travelers. Here are four scams that have been known to target fall tourists in the Adirondacks:
1. Fake Vacation Rentals
With platforms like Airbnb and VRBO growing in popularity, scammers have found ways to exploit them by listing non-existent vacation rentals. These listings often showcase luxurious lakeside cabins at irresistible prices, preying on the desire for a perfect fall getaway. Once tourists wire the payment, the listing vanishes, leaving them without accommodation. To avoid falling victim to this scam, it’s crucial to book only through verified platforms, read reviews thoroughly, and never send money outside the platform’s payment system.
2. Phony Fall Foliage Tours
Fall foliage in the Adirondacks is a significant attraction, and scammers know it. Fraudulent websites offer “exclusive” fall foliage tours or deals that don’t exist. These sites lure travelers into entering their personal and payment information under the guise of booking a tour, leading to stolen credit card information or even identity theft. Always double-check the legitimacy of websites by looking for reviews, or contact local tourist offices to confirm if the tours are real before making any reservations.
3. Gift Card Payment Scams
Some fraudsters posing as tour operators or local businesses offer “too-good-to-be-true” deals on experiences or accommodations. They may request payment through gift cards, citing security or discounts as reasons. Once the scammer receives the gift card information, they disappear, and the tourist is left with no service and no way to recover their funds. Remember that legitimate businesses will never ask for gift card payments.
4. ATM Skimming
ATM skimming is an insidious scam, where devices are installed on ATMs in tourist-heavy areas to steal card information. Tourists may not realize their data has been compromised until much later, when their accounts are drained. To stay safe, use ATMs located inside banks or well-lit areas and regularly check your bank statements for any suspicious activity.
While scammers target Adirondack visitors, taking these precautions can ensure your trip is enjoyable and free from fraud. Stick to trusted platforms, verify deals before payment, and remain vigilant when handling personal and financial information during your travels.
