As costs for flights, accomodation and food continue to increase, many are looking for last-minute deals to book a memorable trip without breaking their budget.
But there’s a scam circulating that you need to be aware of.
Cybercriminals are capitalizing on this need and are now using one scarily convincing, AI-generated phishing email that can cost victims way more than their vacation fund. Booking.com’s CISO, Marnie Wilking, shared that the organization has seen a 500% to 900% increase in travel-related scams in the past 18 months using this malicious tactic.
How are these scammers doing it?
Scammers will mimic Booking.com or Airbnb.com to send out emails offering incredible rates or time-sensitive deals on nonexistent properties. After someone pays, the cybercriminals will either disappear with the money, leaving the renter without a place to stay, or use follow-up emails to collect additional “fees” or “charges” before vanishing.
To be clear, these vacation-focused phishing scams are NOT new. The problem now is that, with AI, more people are falling for them because these emails are becoming more convincing.
What can you do?
Vacationers can take several key steps to ensure they’re not being duped.
1. Use multifactor authentication
Having a confirmation code sent to your phone every time you log in will help prevent phishing attacks and credential theft.
2. Avoid clicking on email links
If you receive an email promoting a too-good-to-be-true deal, remember, it is likely false! Go to the website and search for the special. If you can’t find it, there is a chance it is a scam.
3. Check reviews
Before booking ANY property online, make sure the contact information is true and recent reviews are available. Have other verified users stayed at the property? If so, it’s less likely to be a scam.
4. Use credit cards for online purchases
Using debit cards that are linked directly to your bank account is dangerous. When theft occurs from your debit card, it is difficult to get your money back – if you get it back at all. Using a credit card provides an additional layer of protection.
The most important thing is to stay vigilant. Analyze every email offer you receive and follow cyber security best practices. Standard security software can help detect some of these scam emails, but often not all of them, so it’s important 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, book a free 15-minute discovery call with our cyber security experts. We are here to protect you.
Enjoy a well-deserved break this summer, and remember to be cybersmart.
