The scammers are getting very smart. Best to never disclose on social media, not only can you get scammed, people can look up where you live, looking to break in.
Exactly, that was my first thought. Plus, they know it will be a time when you're not monitoring your accounts as closely. Always wait until after the fact to tell about any kind of trip.
Now it is scammers. A few years ago it was burglars targeting homes of people they knew were away on vacation. I always wait until I get home to post pictures from my vacation.
Yup. Whether it's supposedly your cruise line, your bank, your power company, your cell phone company, etc., hang up and call the company with the number you know is correct.
I understand the point you are making about scammers calling you. You said the cruise lines won't call for more money. That is not always the case. I recently sailed with Celebrity. I booked it myself online as it was only about a month away. The next day, I saw prices had changed and I could get deluxe balcony for $1.50 more than my regular balcony I just booked. So I called and was able to upgrade to the deluxe. No extra money was collected. I figured I would pay when I boarded. A couple of days later, Celebrity called me and asked me to pay the $1.50 that was outstanding. I was pretty surprised. But she knew all of my information and that I changed cabins, and it was legit! She also answered another question I had.
I did that once the cruise line had a count down so I posted on Facebook. I so excited my brother saw called me and pointed those things out so I took it down immediately.
Scammers are getting smarter than the boomers and gen X. I'm concerned for some of my friends but at least they phone banks to confirm and not the numbers the scammers give out. Remember the one incident when they posted a screenshot online and someone canceled the trip because they had the reservation number and name.
I have had my airline call me once. Even had to make a payment (for extra taxes). This was in fact genuine, the request for payment was because I asked for an upgrade (after they went through things like parking and ESTA which were either unnecessary or dealt with). In this case it was really Virgin Atlantic, the money for the extra taxes was taken, no miles were deducted.
My strategy with social media is that I don't use my real name. That allows me more freedom in my posts. Only my family and close friends know the account is mine.
I stopped posting my trips on FB a while ago and use an app with invited friends and family to share my trip and photos. I may post photos on FB but only after I'm home.
I tried to warn a group not to post information like this online and somebody wrote to me and said I was being ridiculous. I don’t know where they live. Maybe a one traffic light town but whatever some people learn by doing.
Do not tell anyone who does not need to know that you are traveling for anything. It sets you up for thieves. Even your coworkers should be suspect avoid them knowing where you live. I know someone who the only people who knew they were out of town besides family was coworkers. They got burglarized.
People need to use common sense if the cruise line owe you money why would they ask for your Credit card or checking account you go ahead and put the money in the same way you pay for it
I don’t post anything about upcoming vacations and I never post vacation photos until I get back. I don’t want to advertise that I’m not home by posting pics.
You sometimes DO post when you are going on a cruise in the future. You let it be known that you would be on the recent Sun Princess TA - and we know that because we also were on the cruise and knew in advance that you'd be on it. BTW we saw you several times but didn't interact with you.
People are morons. Although when I used to travel, my ex was at home so he was there if someone tried to break in. I don't post that online though either.
The scammers are getting very smart. Best to never disclose on social media, not only can you get scammed, people can look up where you live, looking to break in.
Exactly, that was my first thought. Plus, they know it will be a time when you're not monitoring your accounts as closely. Always wait until after the fact to tell about any kind of trip.
I never post about any vacation until we’re on the way home! Scammers and burglars LOVE social media!
I shake my head every time I see someone posting their future cruise/vacation info. Only post that info after the vacation is done.
Now it is scammers. A few years ago it was burglars targeting homes of people they knew were away on vacation. I always wait until I get home to post pictures from my vacation.
Great advice. The scammers are getting more clever. We never post photos, until we are home.
NEVER give out banking or credit card information to ANYONE unless you contacted them.
Absolutely right.
These people are despicable. 🤬
Yep! Can’t believe that people post so much personal information
Yeah, it's hard to trust any phone calls you get because of these scammers.
Love to give you 10 thumbs up for this one. NEVER give info through a call or a email !!
Scammers are everywhere. One has to be so cautious these days. Thanks for reminding cruisers to be aware.
we need to make easy jobs that scammers can do.
Yes, don't post anything if you are going on vacation or cruise, after the fact its ok . Yes, Don you are correct 💯.
Yup. Whether it's supposedly your cruise line, your bank, your power company, your cell phone company, etc., hang up and call the company with the number you know is correct.
Scammers are getting so smart. Be careful and don’t give out any information
Thank you, Don, great advice and good tips.
Thanks for the reminders! Scammers are really running rampant. People really need to be cautious with their information. Be safe, people !
Super great advice Don !!!❤
I understand the point you are making about scammers calling you. You said the cruise lines won't call for more money. That is not always the case. I recently sailed with Celebrity. I booked it myself online as it was only about a month away. The next day, I saw prices had changed and I could get deluxe balcony for $1.50 more than my regular balcony I just booked. So I called and was able to upgrade to the deluxe. No extra money was collected. I figured I would pay when I boarded. A couple of days later, Celebrity called me and asked me to pay the $1.50 that was outstanding. I was pretty surprised. But she knew all of my information and that I changed cabins, and it was legit! She also answered another question I had.
Yes , Don That's Not a Good Thing To Do . THANKS FOR YOUR INFORMATION ❤💯❗
Telling the world that you are going on a vacation lets people know that your home is vacant for this period!
I did that once the cruise line had a count down so I posted on Facebook. I so excited my brother saw called me and pointed those things out so I took it down immediately.
Nobody, except immediate family, knows when or where I travel until months, sometimes years, after I've already finished the trip. 🤷🏼♀️
Scammers are getting smarter than the boomers and gen X. I'm concerned for some of my friends but at least they phone banks to confirm and not the numbers the scammers give out. Remember the one incident when they posted a screenshot online and someone canceled the trip because they had the reservation number and name.
Yes the excitement of letting everyone know about your cruise is normal; BUT... 😮
I never post photos until I am back home.
Bravo! That is what I do too.👏🏻👏🏻
Good reminder. I’ll pass this on to others.
We usually post our trips after we get home. Scammers are getting a lot more creative. More and more people are falling victim to them.
Good information, Don!!
Sad that scammers are doing this
Based on the information you described(name, ship, date) joining cruise groups of a specific sailing could give them the info they need.
So when you join a Facebook cruise page for a specific cruise you give all that info.
Never post photos that might show your booking number
I love your information and warnings.
Great advice Don
I recommend waiting for a few weeks or months before posting your cruise photos! And keep the post a little vague.
Thank you for the important information.
I have had my airline call me once. Even had to make a payment (for extra taxes). This was in fact genuine, the request for payment was because I asked for an upgrade (after they went through things like parking and ESTA which were either unnecessary or dealt with).
In this case it was really Virgin Atlantic, the money for the extra taxes was taken, no miles were deducted.
Wouldn’t joining the Facebook group for your sailing be the same thing
Scammers everywhere online including swooping in and taking someone else commission
My strategy with social media is that I don't use my real name. That allows me more freedom in my posts. Only my family and close friends know the account is mine.
Thanks for info, as always great advice!
I stopped posting my trips on FB a while ago and use an app with invited friends and family to share my trip and photos. I may post photos on FB but only after I'm home.
Posting your cruise and your cruise dates are not the problem. The problem is including specifics like your specific reservation number?
I tried to warn a group not to post information like this online and somebody wrote to me and said I was being ridiculous. I don’t know where they live. Maybe a one traffic light town but whatever some people learn by doing.
scanners are dumb because they don't have normal jobs.
We don’t post until we’re back. I see people all the time posting of upcoming trips or while they are on the trip.
Scammers are so clever now, best to be cautious
Keep up the good work!
I have great travel agent she handles everything. No info ever giving out
I’m just cruising in 2025. Plus you don’t want people to know your house be empty.
I just love your videos, as a fellow travel agent, and scammers how do you suggest promote any "sail with me" events? TIA
Do not tell anyone who does not need to know that you are traveling for anything. It sets you up for thieves. Even your coworkers should be suspect avoid them knowing where you live. I know someone who the only people who knew they were out of town besides family was coworkers. They got burglarized.
The bottom line is, Don't post anything you don't want the world to know!
Great advice.
People need to use common sense if the cruise line owe you money why would they ask for your Credit card or checking account you go ahead and put the money in the same way you pay for it
I don’t post anything about upcoming vacations and I never post vacation photos until I get back. I don’t want to advertise that I’m not home by posting pics.
What do you do if you already boasted about your vacation? What do i do?
thank you for sharing. IF YOU HAVE to mention the cruise talk abt it AFTER you are home.
I don’t have any social media presence when I cruise I just email friends pics as I travel
Much safer
Well, that is what I call stupidity.
I don't send pictures until home.
O wow that's crazy I didn't know this
If it's not scammers, it's spammers.
completely agree.
You sometimes DO post when you are going on a cruise in the future. You let it be known that you would be on the recent Sun Princess TA - and we know that because we also were on the cruise and knew in advance that you'd be on it. BTW we saw you several times but didn't interact with you.
Hackers everywhere
People are morons. Although when I used to travel, my ex was at home so he was there if someone tried to break in. I don't post that online though either.
Post pics and things after you get home because thieves will know your house is empty.
I don't believe you, I think it's so there's less chance of your return flight being delayed....again lol
force scammers into easy jobs.
Why post at all??? A lot of people are just bragging about their vacation, most people don’t really care.
Close the port Dons coming
Great advice.