Watch Out for Too-Good-To-Be-True Tour Deals, Russian Travelers Warned

Russian travelers looking for a bargain vacation are being targeted by a new wave of fraud, according to Dmitry Model, head of financial literacy at the Russian Ministry of Finance’s Research Financial Institute. He warns that scammers are luring victims with so-called “hot tours” priced far below market rates. Once the buyer pays a deposit, the crooks either vanish or keep the ruse alive by sending fake booking confirmations and forged contracts, buying time to find more marks.

The schemes take several forms. Some fraudsters offer “free” guided excursions, then demand hidden fees. Others set up bogus websites mimicking airlines, travel aggregators, or hotels that don’t actually exist—so-called “ghost hotels.” The goal is always the same: get the prepayment and disappear. “They offer trips to popular destinations at prices well below market value,” Model told Gazeta.Ru. “After receiving the prepayment, they either stop responding or keep pretending to work.”

To stay safe, experts recommend always verifying a tour on the official website of the tour operator. Buy plane or train tickets only through official airline or Russian Railways apps. Book accommodations through trusted, established platforms. And when paying for services abroad, use secure payment methods that offer buyer protection. A little caution can save your wallet—and your vacation.