Beware of eclipse-related scams on lodging, viewing glasses

Beware of eclipse-related scams on lodging, eye glasses

Whether it is a travel deal or knockoff eclipse glasses, if the deal looks too good to be true, it is.

The Better Business Bureau is warning people about a variety of scams related to the upcoming April 8 solar eclipse.

Whether it is a travel deal or knockoff eclipse glasses, if the deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.

If you are trying to book a hotel or a rental in totality, make sure you’re familiar with the company and do your research.

“Sometimes scammers are able to take legitimate pictures from another source and pass them off as their own,” said BBB spokeswoman Katarina Schmieder. “They may pressure you to put a deposit down before you’ve seen the place.”

Scammers are listing homes with fake addresses, so the properties don’t actually exist, according to Schmieder. A simple Google search could keep you from falling victim.

People should also be careful about knockoff eclipse glasses. They need to be ISO certified, which will be clearly stated on the inside of the glasses.

Schmieder said it is important to make sure the glasses are not damaged in any way.

“If you’re unsure, I know the American Astronomical Society has recommended taking them and giving them a test run. If you put them on, even inside, and take a look at something that’s really bright, like a bright light, you should be able to see that very faintly. If you’re seeing other things in a room through those glasses, it’s probably not a good idea to use them,” she said.