How to outsmart travel scammers this summer: A lawyer’s advice

Planning a vacation? You might want to slow down before clicking “book.” According to retired police lieutenant and attorney Elena Braun, the biggest red flags are the ones travel scammers love to wave: “last-minute deal” and “only a few spots left.” In an interview with RIA Novosti, Braun warned that high-pressure sales tactics are often a sign of trouble ahead. Her advice: take a breath. A real offer will still be there tomorrow.

Before handing over any money, do your homework. Braun suggests checking official registries to verify the company you’re dealing with. For sanatoriums, look up the Rosakkreditatsiya registry. For tour operators, consult the Ministry of Economic Development’s list. If the business isn’t listed, consider that a warning.

Payment is another major pitfall. Never transfer money for a tour to an individual’s personal bank card, Braun says. Legitimate payments go to a legal entity’s bank account, and you should always have a written contract in place. No contract? No deal.

Finally, be cautious with QR codes and links. Braun advises only scanning codes or clicking links through official apps, not through random messages or emails. A few minutes of caution now can save you thousands of rubles—and your peace of mind—later.