August 19, 2024
Summer is a peak season for vacation travel, and if you're planning any last-minute getaways, be aware of a new scam making the rounds. With rising costs for everything from food to travel, it makes sense to hunt for the best online deals to enjoy a memorable trip without overspending. However, cybercriminals are exploiting this need, using sophisticated AI-generated phishing emails that can drain much more than your vacation budget. Booking.com's Chief Information Security Officer, Marnie Wilking, has reported a staggering 500% to 900% surge in travel-related scams over the past 18 months, driven by this malicious tactic.
How are these scammers pulling it off? Phishing emails have been around since the early days of the Internet, but AI tools like ChatGPT are making it easier than ever to craft realistic and professional-looking scam emails. Previously, phishing attempts were often riddled with spelling and grammatical errors that served as red flags. Now, with AI, cybercriminals can churn out dozens of seemingly legitimate emails that often slip past detection by both software and unsuspecting readers.
Here's how the scam works:
Scammers target platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb.com, where individuals can list properties for short-term rentals. They send out emails promoting incredible rates or urgent deals on non-existent properties. Once someone pays, the scammers either vanish with the money, leaving the renter stranded, or follow up with additional emails to extract more "fees" or "charges" before disappearing.
It's important to note that these vacation-focused phishing scams are not new. The difference now is that AI is making these emails more convincing, leading more people to fall for them.
What can you do to protect yourself?
Vacationers can take several crucial steps to avoid being scammed:
- Use Two-Factor or Multifactor Authentication: Whenever possible, enable two-factor or multifactor authentication. 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 offering a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Instead of clicking on the link, visit the website directly and search for the offer. If you can't find it, you might have just dodged a scam.
- Verify Property Listings: Before booking any property online, ensure that contact information and reviews are easily accessible. Check if other verified users have stayed at the property; 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. Credit cards offer an additional layer of protection, making it easier to recover your money in case of fraud.
The key is to stay vigilant. Scrutinize every email offer you receive and adhere to cybersecurity best practices. While standard security software can catch some scam emails, it won't catch them all, 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 (951) 742-8020 or click here to book a FREE discovery call 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.
