U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, D-West Palm Beach, teamed up with local tourism officials on Tuesday to warn travelers against scammers running fake hotel websites.

The group gathered at Grandview Gardens Bed and Breakfast in West Palm Beach to raise awareness about consumer warnings issued by the Federal Trade Commission last week.

The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers to be careful when booking directly with a hotel’s website, because some consumers have unknowingly done business with a scammer or rogue vendor instead.

The warning came after members of congress including Frankel asked the Federal Trade Commission to launch an immediate investigation into what they call fraudulent online hotel booking sites that have hurt consumers and hotels.

The American Hotel & Lodging Association says there are 2.5 million bookings a year by illicit vendors. That translates to more than $220 million going to bad bookings.

“Imagined you have planned your dream vacation, you show up to your destination, no reservation, your money gone,” Frankel said Tuesday.  “A few simple tips can save you money and give you peace of mind.”

Frankel and tourism officials recommend tourists book their accommodations directly through the hotel chain’s website. They also suggest calling the hotel to confirm your reservation before you travel.

Tourism leaders said if a room rate seems too good to be true, it probably is.

“Don’t assume this really good deal is going to be accurate,” said director of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Palm Beach County chapter.

Glenn Jergensen, executive director of the Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council, said fraudulent booking sites can also tarnish the county’s reputation as a destination for travelers.

“One bad experience ripples through the entire organization and the entire community,” Jergensen said. “You don’t want your experience in Florida to be taken away by showing up and not having a room.”