(Radio Iowa) – Iowans who are looking to book their summer vacations are warned to be watchful for scams, especially with iffy hotel listings. Lisa Schiller, at the Better Business Bureau, says cybercriminals are able to make fake websites that look like legitimate online booking sites. Schiller says, “When you click on the link, what happens is you find a website, you see professional photos from what you believe to be the hotel and reasonable pricing.” Schiller suggests you should only be working with a trusted travel agent or an online booking site and -not- a third party. Also, she says to be very careful in -how- you pay, as credit cards typically offer stronger fraud protection.

“You want to make sure that you only pay with your credit card,” she says. “If you are asked to pay through an unusual payment means, such as a gift card payment or wire transfer, steer away from that.” Schiller says the best way to book is to search directly from your favorite booking site, rather than trusting a search engine. Also, if you’re going to book a short-term rental, check a map website to see if the property being offered actually exists.

Schiller says any deal that seems too good to be true shouldn’t be trusted.