Vacation Travel Scams Are Up 900%

Summer is a peak season for vacation travel, and if you're planning a last-minute trip, 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 vacation without overspending. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are exploiting this trend with a highly convincing, AI-generated phishing email that could cost you far more than your vacation budget. Booking.com's Chief Information Security Officer, Marnie Wilking, has reported a staggering 500% to 900% increase in travel-related scams over the past 18 months due to this tactic.

How are these scammers pulling it off? While phishing emails have been around since the early days of the Internet, AI tools like ChatGPT are now enabling the creation of realistic and professional-looking scam emails. Previously, phishing attempts were often easy to spot due to spelling and grammatical errors. However, 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 exploit platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb.com, which allow users to list short-term rentals. They send out emails offering incredible rates or time-sensitive deals on fake properties. Once someone makes a payment, the scammers either disappear with the money, leaving the victim without accommodation, or continue to extract additional "fees" or "charges" before vanishing entirely.

To clarify, these vacation-related phishing scams are not new. The difference now is that AI is making these scams more convincing, leading more people to fall victim.

What can you do to protect yourself?

Vacationers can take several steps to avoid being scammed:

1. Use Two-Factor or Multi-Factor Authentication: Enable a confirmation code sent to your phone every time you log in. This adds a layer of security against phishing attacks and credential theft.
2. Avoid Clicking on Email Links: If you receive an email offering a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Visit the website directly and search for the offer. If you can't find it, you may have dodged a scam.
3. Verify Property Details Before Booking: Ensure that contact information and reviews are available for any property you consider booking. Verified reviews from other users can help confirm the property's legitimacy.
4. Use Credit Cards for Online Purchases: Debit cards are directly linked to your bank account, making it difficult to recover stolen funds. Credit cards offer an additional layer of protection against fraud.

The most crucial step is to stay vigilant. Scrutinize every email offer 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 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 201-719-7000 or click here to book a FREE Call with Our CEO 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.