Let’s face it—online booking has made travel a breeze. Whether you’re planning your next trip from campus, chilling at home, or squeezing it in during a lunch break at work, it’s never been easier. But with all that convenience comes a not-so-fun side: scammers trying to ride on your vibe. 😠
So how do you avoid these digital con artists? Let’s break it down.
🚩 Common Travel Booking Scams (and How to Outsmart Them)
1. Fake Travel Websites That Look Too Real
Some sites are like shapeshifters—they look like real booking platforms but are just scams in disguise.
How to spot them:
- Look for “https” in the web address 🔐
- Google the platform and read reviews
- Double-check contact info and branding
🛡️ BuuHack: Bookmark trusted sites like BuuPass.com to avoid landing on fakes.
2. Discounts That Scream “Scam!”
Found a ticket from Nairobi to Mombasa for Ksh 50? 🚩 That’s probably a scam.
Stay safe by:
- Comparing prices on various platforms
- Avoiding sketchy payment requests via crypto or wire transfer
- Sticking to platforms with transparent pricing
3. Phishy Emails and Fake Customer Support Calls
“Hello, this is BuuPass. We need your card info to confirm your booking…” Nah, that’s a hard pass.
Don’t fall for it:
- Only respond to emails from @buupass.com
- Never share payment info over the phone unless you initiated the call
- Watch out for urgency—it’s a classic scam tactic
4. Surprise Fees at Checkout (aka the Bait & Switch)
You thought the trip was Ksh 500, now it’s Ksh 1,200? Nope.
Avoid the trap:
- Always read the fine print
- Use platforms that show the full price upfront (like BuuPass 😉)
5. Third-Party Resellers With Shady Vibes
Buying tickets from some random number on WhatsApp? Risky.
Be smart:
- Book through official partners or platforms
- If it’s a reseller, confirm they’re registered and legit by not sending money to a personal number
How BuuPass Keeps You Safe
At BuuPass, your safety is 🔝 priority. Here’s how we keep your trips smooth and scam-free:
📅 Only Verified Operators – Think Easy Coach, Kenya Airways, and Jambojet.
💳 Secure Payments – M-Pesa, cards, bank—you’re covered.
💸 No Hidden Fees – What you see is what you pay.
😊 Real Humans, Real Help – Our customer support is live daily, 7 AM to 10 PM.
📉 Instant E-Tickets – Get your ticket in seconds after payment.
Think You’ve Been Scammed? Here’s What to Do
Don’t panic—take these steps fast:
- Contact your service to block the payment.
- Report to your service provider, this will prevent them from scamming more people by putting them on the spotlight
- Warn others—drop a tweet, post, or report the site.
Final Word: Book Smart, Travel Far
Scams suck. But with a little know-how (and platforms like BuuPass), you’re in control.
💬Stay smart, double-check your sources, and don’t let scammers steal your joy.
Ready to travel safely? Book your next trip at BuuPass.com — fast, secure, and stress-free.
By Munano