Scammers are always looking for ways to target consumers, especially when it comes to travel.

AAA Travel notes that travel scams are on the up, while the American Hotel and Lodging Association says booking scams cost U.S. consumers more than $220 million annually.

Experts from AAA Travel are sharing tips on how to avoid getting tricked.

  • Book with reputable companies that you’ve heard of, and even search their name along with “scam” and “reviews.” Proceed with caution if you see a company that has garnered a lot of negative reviews. Other considerations are to check their reputation with the Better Business Bureau or ask friends for recommendations.
  • Pay with a credit card instead of a debit card, for which money is immediately removed from your account. Credit card charges may be more easily disputed.
  • Read the fine print carefully, no matter how tedious it is.
  • If you booked through a third-party website, call the hotel and airlines directly to check if the reservations are correct and ask the company to notify you of any changes.