Vacation Travel Scams Are Up 900%

Summer is a peak season for vacation travel, and if you're planning a last-minute getaway, there's a scam you need to be aware of. With rising costs for everything from food to travel, many people are searching online for the best deals to book an affordable yet memorable trip. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are exploiting this trend. According to Booking.com, scammers are now using highly convincing, AI-generated phishing emails that can cost victims far more than just their vacation budget. Marnie Wilking, Booking.com's Chief Information Security Officer, reports a staggering 500% to 900% increase in travel-related scams over the past 18 months due to this tactic.

So, how are these scammers pulling it off? Phishing emails have been around since the early days of the Internet, but AI tools like ChatGPT are making it easier than ever to create realistic and professional-looking scam emails. Previously, phishing emails were often easy to spot due to spelling and grammatical errors. With AI, cybercriminals can now produce dozens of seemingly legitimate emails that often slip past both software and human detection.

Here's how the scam works:

Scammers use platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb.com to list fake short-term rental properties. They send out emails offering incredible rates or limited-time deals on these nonexistent properties. Once someone makes a payment, the scammers either disappear with the money, leaving the renter without a place to stay, or they send follow-up emails to extract additional "fees" or "charges" before vanishing.

It's important to note that these vacation-related phishing scams are not new. What's changed is that AI has made these scams more convincing, leading more people to fall for them.

What can you do to protect yourself?

1. Use Two-Factor or Multi-Factor Authentication: Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication. Receiving a confirmation code on your phone each time you log in can help prevent phishing attacks and credential theft.
2. Avoid Clicking on Email Links: If you receive an email promoting a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Instead of clicking on the link, go directly to the website 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 readily 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: Avoid using debit cards linked directly to your bank account. Credit cards offer an additional layer of protection, making it easier to recover your money in case of fraud.

The most crucial step is to stay vigilant. Scrutinize every email offer you receive and adhere to cybersecurity best practices. While standard security software can detect some scam emails, it's essential to remain cautious and watch 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 800-626-3223 or click here to book a FREE consultation 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.