August 08, 2024
Summer is a peak season for vacation travel, but if you're planning any last-minute trips, be cautious of a circulating scam. As prices for essentials like food and travel rise, many people turn to the internet to find the best deals for an affordable getaway. However, cybercriminals are exploiting this trend with a highly convincing AI-generated phishing email that can drain more than just your vacation savings. Marnie Wilking, the Chief Information Security Officer at Booking.com, has reported a staggering 500% to 900% increase in travel-related scams over the past 18 months, driven by this deceptive tactic.
How are these scammers operating? Although phishing emails have been around since the early days of the internet, AI tools like ChatGPT now enable the creation of realistic and professional-looking scam emails that are more likely to deceive recipients. Previously, phishing emails often contained obvious red flags like spelling and grammatical mistakes. Now, AI allows cybercriminals to generate numerous seemingly legitimate emails that can easily bypass detection by software and unsuspecting readers.
Here's their method:
Scammers exploit platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb.com, where individuals can list short-term rentals. They send emails advertising unbelievable rates or urgent deals on properties that don't exist. Once someone pays, the scammers either disappear with the money, leaving the victim without accommodation, or continue to demand 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 to more people falling victim to them.
What can you do?
Travelers can take several crucial steps to protect themselves from being scammed:
- Avoid clicking on links in emails. If you receive an email offering a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Visit the website directly and search for the offer. If you can't find it, you might have dodged a scam.
- Before booking any property online, ensure that contact information and reviews are easily accessible. Have other verified users stayed at the property? If so, it's less likely to be fraudulent.
- Use credit cards for online transactions. Debit cards linked directly to your bank account pose a risk because recovering stolen funds can be difficult, if not impossible. Credit cards offer an extra layer of protection.
The key is to stay vigilant. Carefully evaluate every email offer you receive and adhere to cybersecurity best practices. While standard security software can detect some scam emails, it often misses others, so it's crucial to remain cautious and watch for warning signs.
Personal scams may ruin a vacation, but business breaches can cost you and your family their livelihood.
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