August 19, 2024
Summer is a peak season for vacation travel, but if you're planning any last-minute trips, be aware of a new scam circulating. As costs for everything from food to travel rise, many people turn to the internet to find the best deals for an affordable yet memorable vacation. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are exploiting this trend by using highly convincing, AI-generated phishing emails that could cost you far more than your vacation budget. According to Booking.com, their Chief Information Security Officer, Marnie Wilking, has reported a staggering 500% to 900% increase in travel-related scams over the past 18 months due to these malicious tactics.
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 for scammers to create 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. Now, with AI, cybercriminals can produce dozens of seemingly legitimate emails that often evade detection by software and unsuspecting readers.
Here's how these scams typically work:
Scammers use platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb.com, which allow people to list short-term rentals. They send out emails advertising incredible rates or time-sensitive deals on nonexistent properties. Once someone pays, the scammers either disappear with the money, leaving the renter stranded, or they send follow-up emails to extract additional "fees" or "charges" before vanishing.
It's important to note that these vacation-focused phishing scams are not new. The difference now is that AI makes these emails more convincing, leading to more people falling for them.
What can you do to protect yourself?
Vacationers can take several key steps to avoid being scammed:
- Use Two-Factor or Multifactor Authentication: Enabling a confirmation code sent to your phone every 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. Visit the website directly and search for the offer. If you can't find it, you might have avoided a scam.
- Verify Property Listings: Before booking any property online, ensure that contact information and reviews are available. Check if other verified users have stayed at the property to reduce the risk of falling for a scam.
- Use Credit Cards for Online Purchases: Using debit cards linked directly to your bank account can be risky. Credit cards offer an additional layer of protection, making it easier to recover your money in case of theft.
The most crucial step is to stay vigilant. Scrutinize every email offer you receive and adhere to cybersecurity best practices. While standard security software can detect some scam emails, it won't catch all of them. Therefore, it's essential to be 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 954-327-1001 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.
