Summer is a prime season for vacation travel, but if you're planning any last-minute trips, be aware of a new scam making the rounds. As prices for essentials like food and travel keep climbing, many people are turning to the internet to find the best deals and save money on their vacations. However, cybercriminals are exploiting this trend with a highly convincing, AI-generated phishing email that could end up costing you much more than your travel budget. According to Booking.com, their Chief Information Security Officer, Marnie Wilking, reported 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 pulling it off? While phishing emails have been around since the early days of the internet, advanced AI tools like ChatGPT are making it easier than ever to craft realistic and professional-looking scam emails. In the past, phishing attempts were often easy to spot due to spelling and grammatical errors. Now, AI enables cybercriminals to produce dozens of convincing emails that can slip past detection software and fool unsuspecting readers.
Here's how these scams typically operate:
Scammers use platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb.com, where people can list short-term rental properties. They send out emails advertising incredible rates or limited-time deals on properties that don't actually exist. Once someone pays, the scammers either disappear with the money, leaving the renter stranded, or send follow-up emails to extract additional "fees" or "charges" before vanishing.
These vacation-related phishing scams aren't new, but the advent of AI has made them more effective, leading to an increase in victims.
What can you do to protect yourself?
Vacationers can take several important steps to avoid falling victim to these scams:
- Use Two-Factor or Multi-Factor Authentication: Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security. This typically involves receiving a confirmation code on your phone each time you log in, making it harder for scammers to access your accounts.
- Avoid Clicking on Email Links: If you receive an email promoting 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 dodged a scam.
- Verify Property Details: Before booking any property online, ensure that contact information and reviews are 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. Credit cards offer an additional layer of protection, and it's generally easier to dispute fraudulent charges and get your money back.
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 watch 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 703-281-1017 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.
