6 NEW Cruise Scams & Tricks To Watch Out For This Year!

Key Moments
Editorial Summary
Gary Benridge identifies several emerging scams targeting cruise passengers, ranging from digital fraud to in-person deception. He warns against fake travel agents on social media who use cash transfer apps to solicit deposits for non-existent bookings. To avoid this, he advises researching agents via reputable review sites, paying with credit cards for consumer protection, and verifying reservation codes directly on official cruise line websites. The creator also highlights fraudulent websites targeting travelers seeking electronic visas, such as the US ESTA or UK ETA, noting that these sites harvest sensitive personal data. Onboard and in port, Benridge describes scams involving roadside artists selling cheap prints as handmade paintings, and deceptive resort day passes that lead to high-pressure travel club sales presentations. Additionally, he warns of a scam involving the popular cruise duck phenomenon where individuals charge postage for ducks that are never sent. Finally, he addresses the use of celebrity and creator likenesses in unauthorized social media advertisements designed to drive traffic to aggressive affiliate link articles.
Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.
Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.
Creator's Key Takeaways
I've been contacted recently by way too many Cruise passengers that have been caught out by new scans that have emerged since my last video on this topic
real agents should be able to take cards and credit card companies will have done some screening of the providers
make sure you're only using the official government one for that country so for example look at sites that have pr.gov in the title
there is no such thing as a free Resort pass in reality
Creator's Tips & Advice
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