Orlando Daytona Beach Melbourne, FL, September 2, 2026 — A recent study indicates that Florida incurs an estimated $20.4 million in annual losses due to travel scams, positioning the state as seventh nationwide for financial damage from vacation fraud. The findings are part of a new report released by LocalsInsider.

The study’s analysis was based on data compiled from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This research highlights the significant financial impact of various fraudulent schemes targeting travelers and prospective vacationers.

LocalsInsider identified several prevalent types of scams contributing to these losses. These include:

  • The creation and operation of fake booking websites designed to mimic legitimate travel agencies or hotels.
  • Phishing attempts, where scammers try to obtain personal or financial information through deceptive emails or messages.
  • Fraudulent rental listings, which often involve properties that do not exist or are misrepresented to consumers.
  • The misuse of airline miles, where points or miles are stolen or illicitly transferred from consumer accounts.

The report does not specify the timeframe over which the $20.4 million figure was calculated, nor does it name specific individuals or companies associated with these scams. The source of the data, the FTC, is a federal agency responsible for protecting consumers from deceptive or unfair business practices.

The study’s findings underscore the ongoing challenges consumers face when planning travel and the sophisticated methods employed by scammers. Further details regarding the methodology or specific breakdowns of the reported losses were not provided in the summary of the study.


Story summarized from the original created by Chloe Greenberg on www.orlandoweekly.com, see more information here.

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