FTC Warns of Travel Plans Text Trap
By: Jim Stickley and Tina Davis
April 12, 2026
If you have travel plans on the calendar, keep one hand on your travel app and the other on your skepticism. As unrest around the world, and summer travel plans start to ramp up, the Federal Trade Commission is warning consumers about a surge in sophisticated text messages targeting travelers. 
Like similar scams, the messages claim there’s a problem with an existing flight, hotel, or rental car reservation and insist you must enter additional payment details to keep your booking. Of course, no one wants their travel plans cancelled at the last minute!
The texts often look polished and urgent, sometimes appearing to come from well-known airlines or hotel brands. They may include official logos or links that closely mimic legitimate websites. They also may include actual confirmation numbers and travel dates. These scammers spare no small details to make you believe it’s legitimate. However, click the link, and you’re ushered to a convincing payment page designed to harvest your payment card details or other financial information.
According to the FTC, the goal is simple: Panic first, payment second. Scammers know travelers are on tight schedules and more likely to act quickly if they fear losing a reservation.
The agency advises consumers not to click links in unexpected texts about bookings. Instead, contact the airline, hotel, or travel company directly using a phone number or website you know is legitimate. Never provide payment details through a link sent by text unless you independently verify the source.
Before you confirm anything, confirm who is really asking.
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