Summer is a popular season for travel, but beware of a circulating scam targeting last-minute vacation planners. With the rising costs of travel and dining out, it's essential to find the best deals online to enjoy a budget-friendly trip. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are taking advantage of this by using AI-generated phishing e-mails that appear legitimate and convincing. According to Booking.com's CISO, Marnie Wilking, travel-related scams have increased by 500% to 900% in the past year and a half using this malicious tactic.
How are these scammers doing it?
These scammers are utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT to create sophisticated phishing e-mails that are difficult to distinguish from real communications. Don't fall victim to their tricks - stay vigilant and always double-check the legitimacy of any travel-related e-mails you receive. Your vacation fund could be at risk if you're not careful. Be cautious, be smart, and protect yourself from falling for these scams. In the past, phishing e-mails used to be easy to spot due to obvious red flags like spelling and grammar errors. However, with the advancement of AI technology, cybercriminals are now able to create sophisticated e-mails that can deceive both software and readers alike.
Here’s how these scammers operate:
They exploit reputable websites like Booking.com or Airbnb.com to offer unbelievable deals on non-existent rental properties. Once a payment is made, the criminals either vanish with the money or continue to solicit additional fees under false pretenses before disappearing altogether. Vacation-focused phishing scams have been around for some time, but the issue is worsening with the increasing believability of these fraudulent e-mails thanks to AI. It's crucial to stay vigilant and skeptical when receiving any suspicious offers, as falling for these scams can result in financial loss and disappointment.
What can you do?
To ensure a safe and enjoyable vacation experience, vacationers should follow these important steps:
- Enable two-factor or multifactor authentication to protect against phishing attacks and credential theft. By receiving a confirmation code on your phone each time you log in, you can greatly enhance your online security.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious email links offering too-good-to-be-true deals. Instead, go directly to the website to verify the promotion's authenticity. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don't fall victim to scams.
- Before booking ANY property online, verify its legitimacy by researching and checking for contact information and reviews. Trusted reviews from verified guests can help you determine if the property is reputable and not a scam.
- Use credit cards for online purchases to safeguard your funds. Debit cards linked to your bank account can leave you vulnerable to theft with little chance of recovery. With a credit card, you have added protection and potential recourse in case of fraudulent activity.
By taking these precautions, vacationers can safeguard themselves from fraud and ensure a stress-free travel experience. Stay alert by carefully examining every email offer and following best practices in cyber security. Although standard security software can help identify some fraudulent emails, it's essential to be cautious and watch out for any warning signs that may signal a scam.
While personal scams can be detrimental to your vacation, business breaches could have serious consequences for your family's financial stability. To safeguard your network, contact us at 201.402.1900 or click here to schedule a FREE 10-minute consultation with our cyber security experts. Let us assist you in developing a comprehensive plan to protect your online security. Don't hesitate to reach out to our KRS team. We’re always here to support you! Enjoy a well-deserved vacation of what’s left of the summer, but always remember to stay cybersmart!