Summer is a prime season for vacation travel, but if you're planning a last-minute trip, be aware of a new scam making the rounds. With the rising costs of food and travel, many people are turning to the internet to find the best deals and save money on their trips. However, cybercriminals are exploiting this trend by using highly convincing, AI-generated phishing emails that can cost victims much more than their vacation budget. According to Marnie Wilking, CISO of Booking.com, there has been a staggering 500% to 900% increase in travel-related scams over the past 18 months due to 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 create realistic and professional-looking scam emails. In the past, phishing emails were often easy to spot due to spelling and grammatical errors. Now, AI allows cybercriminals to produce dozens of seemingly legitimate emails that can slip past both software and human detection.
Here's how the scam works:
Scammers use platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb.com to list fake short-term rental properties. They send out emails offering incredible rates or time-sensitive deals on these nonexistent properties. Once someone pays, the scammers either disappear with the money, leaving the renter stranded, or continue to send follow-up emails to extract additional "fees" or "charges" before vanishing.
To clarify, these vacation-related phishing scams are not new. The difference now is that AI is making these emails more convincing, leading to an increase in successful scams.
What can you do to protect yourself?
Vacationers can take several key steps to avoid being scammed:
- Use Two-Factor or Multifactor Authentication: Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security. Receiving a confirmation code on 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. Instead of clicking on the link, visit the website directly and search for the offer. If you can't find it, you may have dodged a scam.
- Verify Property Information: Before booking any property online, ensure that contact information and reviews are readily available. 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, as it can be difficult to recover stolen funds. Credit cards offer an additional layer of protection 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 may not catch them all, so it's essential to be 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 813-689-1950 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.
