Protect Yourself from Vacation Travel Scams This Summer
Summer is a peak time for vacation travel. If you’re planning any last-minute trips, be aware of a new scam circulating. With rising costs for food and travel, it’s tempting to search for the best deals online to book an affordable and memorable trip. However, cybercriminals are exploiting this need. According to Booking.com, a scarily convincing, AI-generated phishing email is costing victims far more than just their vacation funds. Booking.com’s CISO, Marnie Wilking, reports a 500% to 900% increase in travel-related scams in the past 18 months due to this malicious tactic.
How Do These Scammers Operate?
Phishing emails have been around since the dawn of the Internet, but AI tools like ChatGPT are making it easier to create realistic and professional-looking scam emails that trick readers. Previously, phishing emails were filled with red flags such as spelling and grammatical errors. With AI, cybercriminals can now produce dozens of seemingly legitimate emails that often go undetected by software and readers.
Scammer Tactics Explained
Scammers use reputable sites like Booking.com or Airbnb.com to list fake short-term rentals. They send emails offering incredible rates or time-sensitive deals on nonexistent properties. Once someone pays, the cybercriminals either disappear with the money, leaving the renter without a place to stay, or send follow-up emails to collect additional “fees” or “charges” before vanishing.
These vacation-focused phishing scams aren’t new, but with AI, they are becoming more convincing and ensnaring more victims.
How to Protect Yourself
Vacationers can take several key steps to avoid being scammed:
- Use Two-Factor or Multifactor Authentication: Having a confirmation code sent to your phone every time you log in can prevent phishing attacks and credential theft.
- Avoid Clicking on Email Links: If you receive an email promoting a deal that’s too good to be true, it likely is. Visit the website directly and search for the special. If you can’t find it, you might avoid a scam.
- Verify Contact Information and Reviews: Before booking any property online, ensure contact information and reviews are available. Verified user reviews can indicate a legitimate listing.
- Use Credit Cards for Online Purchases: Credit cards offer more protection than debit cards linked to your bank account. It’s easier to dispute fraudulent charges with a credit card.
How to Protect Yourself
Vacationers can take several key steps to avoid being scammed:
- Use Two-Factor or Multifactor Authentication: Having a confirmation code sent to your phone every time you log in can prevent phishing attacks and credential theft.
- Avoid Clicking on Email Links: If you receive an email promoting a deal that’s too good to be true, it likely is. Visit the website directly and search for the special. If you can’t find it, you might avoid a scam.
- Verify Contact Information and Reviews: Before booking any property online, ensure contact information and reviews are available. Verified user reviews can indicate a legitimate listing.
- Use Credit Cards for Online Purchases: Credit cards offer more protection than debit cards linked to your bank account. It’s easier to dispute fraudulent charges with a credit card.
Stay Vigilant
Analyze every email offer you receive and follow cybersecurity best practices. While standard security software can detect some scam emails, it’s essential to be cautious and look for red flags.
Personal scams can ruin a vacation, but business breaches can cost you and your family their livelihood. To keep your network secure, call us at (312) 767-1250 or fill-in below form to book a FREE 10-minute discovery call with our cybersecurity experts. We can help you create a plan that protects you. Enjoy your well-deserved break this summer and remember to be cybersmart.