Vacation Travel Scams Are Up 900%

Summer is a prime season for vacation travel, but if you're planning a last-minute getaway, it's crucial to be aware of a new scam making the rounds. With the rising costs of food and travel, many are turning to the internet to find the best deals without overspending. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are exploiting this trend by using sophisticated AI-generated phishing emails that can drain your funds far beyond your travel budget. According to Booking.com, there has been a staggering 500% to 900% increase in travel-related scams over the past 18 months, as reported by their Chief Information Security Officer, Marnie Wilking.

So, how are these scammers operating? While phishing emails have been around since the early days of the internet, AI tools like ChatGPT are now enabling scammers to craft highly convincing and professional-looking emails. Previously, phishing attempts were often easy to spot due to spelling and grammatical errors. However, AI has made it possible for cybercriminals to produce numerous seemingly legitimate emails that are harder for both software and humans to detect.

Here's how the scam works:

Scammers exploit platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb.com, which allow users to list short-term rentals. They send out emails offering unbelievably low rates or urgent deals on fake properties. Once a victim makes a payment, the scammers either disappear with the money, leaving the renter stranded, or they continue to send follow-up emails to extract additional "fees" before vanishing.

It's important to note that these vacation-related phishing scams are not new. The difference now is that AI has made them more convincing, leading to an increase in the number of people falling for them.

What can you do to protect yourself?

Vacationers can take several key steps to avoid being scammed:

1. Use Two-Factor or Multifactor Authentication: Enable a confirmation code sent to your phone every time you log in to help prevent phishing attacks and credential theft.
2. Avoid Clicking on Email Links: If you receive an email promoting a deal that's too good to be true, it probably is. Instead, visit the website directly and search for the offer. If you can't find it, you may have avoided a scam.
3. Verify Property Listings: Before booking any property online, ensure that contact information and reviews are available. Check if other verified users have stayed at the property. If they have, it's less likely to be a scam.
4. Use Credit Cards for Online Purchases: Debit cards linked directly to your bank account are risky because it's challenging to recover stolen funds. Credit cards offer an additional layer of protection.

The most crucial step is to remain vigilant. Scrutinize every email offer you receive and adhere to cybersecurity best practices. While standard security software can detect some scam emails, it won't catch them all, so it's essential to be cautious and look out for red flags.

Personal scams may ruin a vacation, but business breaches can cost you and your family their livelihood. To keep your network secure, call us at 802-331-1900 or click here to book a FREE 10-minute discovery call with our cyber security experts, who can help you create a plan that protects you. We are here to help! Enjoy a well-deserved break this summer, and remember to be cybersmart.