Travel scam warnings on rise as tourist season begins
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - As tourist season begins in Alaska, the Better Business Bureau is warning travelers to stay vigilant against fraudulent tour companies.
Cameron Nakashima with the BBB’s national office in Idaho said scams within the tourist industry are a larger issue the BBB sees every year, especially in Alaska.
At first glance, Nakashima said many of these companies will appear to have good reviews, but upon further examination, you’ll start to see a negative pattern emerge.
“When people are planning those big vacations, as the weather is getting better, it’s really important to be on guard and do a double take, a triple take on the people and the businesses that you’re trusting with your money, your personal information, your itinerary, and make sure that they’re legit,” he said.
Two Alaska companies recently investigated by the BBB are Anchorage Downtown TourGroup and Ketchikan Taxi Cab Tours.
According to reviews online, as well as the BBB’s website, people allege they pay these tour companies about $100 per person, approximately $300-$500 per family/group, but then the companies cancel at the last minute or in some cases, did not show up at all, offering no refund or explanation.
According to the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, Anchorage Downtown TourGroup’s business registration has been expired since Dec. 31, 2023.
However, according to Tripadvisor and the BBB’s website, negative reviews have continued to be posted throughout 2024.
Alaska’s News Source tried calling the number associated with Anchorage Downtown TourGroup, as well as the business listed as the owner, Eye of the Eagle, LLC, but both numbers are now listed for different organizations.
As of April 2025, the website appeared be defunct.
It’s a similar situation for Ketchikan Taxi Cab Tours. Records show the company’s business registration expired on Dec. 31, 2024. However, online they’re listed as open for business.
The BBB’s website shows two most recent complaints filed in September and November 2024, alleging that customers paid deposits but the company never showed up to provide tour services.
Alaska’s News Source left voicemails with the company’s listed number and attempted to reach the company’s owner on record, Timothy White, but the number listed was disconnected.
Nakashima suggests always looking at the most recent reviews and always cross-referencing between multiple sites, such as the BBB’s website as well as reputable city and state travel agencies.
As far as what steps customers can take if they believe they have been the victim of a scam, Nakashima said it’s always best to quickly file a complaint through the BBB’s scam tracker, as well as making reports to the state’s Attorney General’s office and local law enforcement if the alleged scam demonstrates criminal intent.
“Don’t just get your story from just one source,” Nakashima said. “Go to multiple [sources] just to make sure you’re getting the full picture there and knowing that you can trust this person or this company with your money.”
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