Summer is a peak season for vacation travel, and if you're planning any last-minute trips, there's a scam you should be aware of. With rising costs for everything from food to travel, many people are searching online for the best deals to enjoy a memorable trip without overspending. Cybercriminals have noticed this trend and are now using highly convincing, AI-generated phishing emails to exploit travelers. 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? Phishing emails have been around since the early days of the Internet, but AI tools like ChatGPT are now making it easier to create professional-looking scam emails that are more likely to deceive recipients. Previously, phishing emails were often filled with obvious spelling and grammatical errors. However, with AI, cybercriminals can now produce dozens of seemingly authentic emails that often evade detection by both software and human readers.
Here's how these scams typically work:
Scammers exploit platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb.com, which allow users to list short-term rentals. They send out emails advertising incredible rates or time-sensitive deals for non-existent properties. Once someone makes a payment, the scammers either disappear with the money, leaving the traveler without a place to stay, or continue to send follow-up emails to extract additional "fees" or "charges" before vanishing entirely.
It's important to note that these vacation-related phishing scams are not new. The difference now is that AI-generated emails are making these scams more convincing, leading to an increase in the number of victims.
What can you do to protect yourself?
Travelers can take several essential steps to avoid falling victim to these scams:
- Use two-factor or multifactor authentication wherever possible. Having a confirmation code sent to your phone each time you log in can help prevent phishing attacks and credential theft.
- Avoid clicking on email links. If you receive an email promoting an unbelievably good deal, it's likely a scam. Instead, visit the website directly and search for the offer. If you can't find it, you're likely avoiding a scam.
- Before booking any property online, ensure that contact information and reviews are readily available. Have other verified users stayed at the property? If so, it's less likely to be a scam.
- Use credit cards for online purchases. Debit cards linked directly to your bank account are risky. If theft occurs, recovering your money can be difficult, if not impossible. Credit cards offer an additional layer of protection.
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 help detect some scam emails, it won't catch them all. Therefore, it's essential to remain cautious and look 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 +44-28-7136-3363 or click here to book a FREE consult 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.
