Summer is a peak season for vacation travel, and if you're planning any last-minute trips, there's a scam circulating that you need to be aware of. With rising costs for everything from food to travel, it's natural to seek out the best online deals to enjoy a memorable trip without overspending. However, according to Booking.com, cybercriminals are exploiting this trend with a highly convincing, AI-generated phishing email that can drain your vacation fund. Booking.com's Chief Information Security Officer, Marnie Wilking, reports a staggering 500% to 900% increase in travel-related scams over the past 18 months using this deceptive tactic.
How are these scammers operating? Phishing emails have been around since the early days of the Internet, but AI tools like ChatGPT now make it easier to craft realistic and professional-looking scam emails. Previously, phishing emails were often riddled with obvious errors in spelling and grammar. Today, AI enables cybercriminals to produce dozens of seemingly legitimate emails that can evade detection by both software and readers.
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 emails offering incredible rates or limited-time deals on properties that don't actually exist. Once payment is made, the scammers either vanish with the money, leaving the renter stranded, or send follow-up emails to extract additional "fees" or "charges" before disappearing.
To be clear, these vacation-focused phishing scams are not new. The difference now is that AI has made these emails more convincing, leading more people to fall victim.
What can you do to protect yourself?
Vacationers can take several key steps to avoid being scammed:
- Use Two-Factor or Multifactor Authentication: Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication. Receiving a confirmation code on your phone each time you log in adds an extra layer of security against phishing attacks and credential theft.
- 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.
- 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, as this reduces the likelihood of it being a scam.
- Use Credit Cards for Online Purchases: Avoid using debit cards linked directly to your bank account. If theft occurs, recovering your money from a debit card can be challenging, if not impossible. Credit cards offer an additional layer of protection.
Most importantly, stay vigilant. 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 crucial 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 702-970-3472 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.
