TRAVEL OFFERS ON SOCIAL MEDIA – HOW TO AVOID SCAMS

Travel offers advertised on social media have become increasingly common, especially when it comes to distant and attractive destinations. Many people have already paid for – or at least considered – travel packages found online. However, this way of purchasing travel arrangements can carry significant risks.

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Although problems do not always occur, in practice it is not uncommon for travelers to lose both their money and their trip. The reason is simple – profiles advertising travel deals on social media are not necessarily registered travel agencies and often do not hold the legally required license to operate.

The Risks of Buying Travel Through Social Media

When you purchase a travel package from an unlicensed provider, you do not have the legal protection that comes with booking through a registered travel agency. In cases of cancellation, insolvency, or fraud, travelers often have no possibility of getting their money back.

For this reason, experts advise extra caution. Before making any payment, it is essential to verify:

• whether the agency is legally registered,
• whether it holds a valid license issued by the competent authority,
• whether a written travel contract is provided,
• whether there is an insurance policy covering insolvency or failure to deliver the service.

What Do Lawyers Recommend?

“It is essential, first and foremost, to always purchase travel arrangements from official travel agencies or authorized intermediaries,” attorney Milica R. Mitrović told Balkan Trip.

As she explains, at the moment of purchasing a travel package, the traveler must receive a written contract.

“The contract must contain details about the agency organizing the trip, as well as the insurance company whose policy covers cases of agency insolvency or non-payment of the travel arrangement. This significantly increases the chances that the trip will be carried out, or, if it is not, that the money will be refunded through legal procedures,” she emphasized.

How to Check Whether an Agency Is Reliable

Citizens are advised that if they have any doubts about an offer found on social media, they should additionally verify the travel organizer.

One option is to contact JUTA – Nacionalna asocijacija turističkih agencija Srbije (National Association of Travel Agencies of Serbia), which can provide information on whether a particular agency is a member and operates in accordance with regulations.

“If there is any suspicion that someone offering or advertising travel arrangements may not be a licensed travel agency or authorized intermediary, citizens can contact JUTA for verification,” Mitrović concluded.