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Vacation Travel Scams Are Up 900%

Summer is a prime season for vacation travel, and if you're planning any last-minute trips, you should be aware of a new scam that's making the rounds. With the rising costs of essentials like food and travel, it's natural to look for the best deals online to enjoy a memorable vacation without overspending. However, according to Booking.com, cybercriminals are exploiting this trend by sending out highly convincing, AI-generated phishing emails that can end up costing victims far more than just their vacation budget. Marnie Wilking, the Chief Information Security Officer at Booking.com, has reported a staggering 500% to 900% increase in travel-related scams over the past 18 months, all due to this malicious tactic.

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

Here's how the scam works:

Scammers use 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 properties that don't actually exist. Once someone makes a payment, the scammers either disappear with the money, leaving the renter stranded, 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 aren't new. The difference now is that AI has made them more convincing, causing more people to fall for them.

What can you do to protect yourself?

Vacationers can take several essential steps to avoid falling victim to these scams:

  1. Use Two-Factor or Multifactor Authentication: Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security. A confirmation code sent to your phone 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. Visit the website directly and search for the offer. If you can't find it, you may have dodged 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. If your debit card is compromised, it can be challenging to recover your money. Credit cards offer an additional layer of protection against fraud.

The most crucial advice is to stay vigilant. Carefully scrutinize every email offer you receive and adhere to cybersecurity best practices. While standard security software can detect some scam emails, it often misses others, so it's vital to be 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 916-884-0040 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.