Double-Billed and Deceived: A Travel Scam
By Greg Collier
A Tennessee man thought he was booking a dream trip to Prague through Expedia. Instead, he was talking to a scammer pretending to be from the travel site and ended up paying $722 twice for the same flight.
What’s Going On:
David, who asked that his last name not be used, booked his trip online and even signed up for a new “One Key” credit card offer to get a travel bonus. Everything looked legitimate until he received an email claiming his payment was denied. The sender? Supposedly Expedia.
When he called the number in the email, a woman claiming to be an Expedia representative told him he needed to repay the $722 to secure his flight. To avoid losing his vacation, he complied. What she didn’t say: he was paying PCM Travels, a company later flagged for deceptive practices and scam alerts.
Why It’s Effective:
This scam works because it piggybacks on real bookings. Victims like David have already made a legitimate purchase, so follow-up emails referencing the same dollar amounts appear trustworthy. The scammers add pressure by implying your booking is at risk unless you act immediately, a classic manipulation tactic.
By the time the second payment is made, the money is gone. To make matters worse, scammers often insert legal-sounding language like “non-refundable” and “non-disputable” to discourage victims from contacting their credit card companies.
Red Flags:
- Emails claiming payment failure right after a successful booking
- Customer service numbers in emails instead of on the company’s official website
- Requests for payment by phone or through a new company name (like PCM Travels)
- Statements that charges are “non-refundable” or “can’t be disputed”
How to Protect Yourself:
- Always verify contact info. Don’t use numbers or links from emails; instead, go directly to the airline or booking site’s official page.
- Check your billing statements closely after booking. If you see double charges or unfamiliar company names, dispute them immediately.
- Avoid offers that sound too generous. Legitimate travel rewards don’t require on-the-spot payments or new credit cards to redeem.
- Freeze your card the moment you suspect a scam.
The Aftermath:
David is still fighting to get his $722 back. Despite showing his credit card company the proof, the scammers had documentation showing he “agreed” to the charge, technically true, but under false pretenses. He’s now submitting a letter of intent in hopes the dispute can be reopened.
Final Thoughts:
Travel scams like this are growing more sophisticated, exploiting real company names, official-looking emails, and victims’ excitement about upcoming trips. Always book directly through official airline or hotel websites, and never let urgency override your instincts.
Have you been targeted by a fake travel agent or booking site? Share your experience below or send this post to someone planning their next vacation. Awareness is the best passport against scams.
Further Reading:
Leave a Reply