Summer is a prime season for vacation travel, and if you're planning any last-minute trips, it's crucial to be aware of a prevalent scam. As prices for essentials like food and travel continue to rise, many people are turning to the internet to find the best deals for an affordable getaway. However, according to Booking.com, cybercriminals are exploiting this trend with a highly convincing, AI-generated phishing email that could end up costing you far more than your vacation budget. 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, driven by this malicious tactic.
So, how are these scammers operating? While phishing emails have been around since the early days of the internet, advanced AI tools like ChatGPT now enable scammers to craft realistic and professional-looking emails that are more likely to deceive recipients. Previously, phishing emails were often easy to spot due to spelling and grammatical errors. With AI, cybercriminals can now generate dozens of seemingly legitimate emails that frequently evade detection by both software and readers.
Here's how the scam works:
Scammers utilize platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb.com, which allow users to list short-term rental properties. They send out emails advertising incredible rates or limited-time deals on properties that don't exist. Once someone makes a payment, the scammers either disappear with the money, leaving the renter stranded, or send follow-up emails to extract additional "fees" or "charges" before vanishing.
It's important to note that these vacation-related phishing scams are not new. The difference now is that AI makes these emails more convincing, leading more people to fall victim to them.
What can you do to protect yourself?
Vacationers can take several key steps to avoid being scammed:
- Use Two-Factor or Multifactor Authentication: Enable these security measures where possible. Receiving a confirmation code on 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 a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Instead, go directly to the website and search for the offer. If you can't find it, you may have dodged a scam.
- Verify Property Details Before Booking: 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.
- Use Credit Cards for Online Purchases: Avoid using debit cards linked directly to your bank account. If theft occurs with a debit card, recovering your money can be difficult, if not impossible. Credit cards offer an additional layer of protection.
The most important thing is to stay vigilant. Scrutinize every email offer you receive and follow cybersecurity best practices. While standard security software can help detect some scam emails, it won't catch all of them, 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 337-547-2193 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.
