With the rise of AI, so criminal gangs are adopting its much darker arts at an even quicker pace. While they vacuum up the cash, travellers are being left disappointed, angry and substantially out of pocket. Wise Traveller takes a look at the trending scams to alert its members.
Fake websites
In the world of fake news and misleading information, fake travel and hotel websites are awash on the internet. Unfortunately, these are not going away. There have been cases of people booking accommodation from their original countries online, believing it to be what they want for a wonderful holiday. Yet, when they arrive, they find the property already fully booked through the legitimate site, or it doesn’t exist at all.
Such is the sophistication of the scammers; they have even copied the websites of travel companies and airlines. These are either used to simply steal money from unwitting travellers or to infiltrate people’s systems and create even more damage and despair. The reality is that tourists booking through these sites will not be getting either a seat on a plane or a bed at a hotel anytime soon.
Giving personal details
While money is a bottom line for most scammers, others will also target your personal information to extract data, such as hotel rewards or airline frequent flyer information, for their own use.
Adverts that are too good to be true
Social media is flooded with advertisements, but those offering tempting holiday discounts, cheap travel deals, and luxury villas at cut prices should be viewed with caution. The old maxim that ‘if it’s too good to be true, it usually is’ should apply.
The scam is only ever revealed when a person’s bookings are cancelled without warning and refunds, or they have actually found out first-hand that what they bought was simply an oasis of trickery and AI magic.
Booking.com has warned this continues to be a rising threat, while hotels and accommodation sites are also reporting an increase in digital crime. The AI scams are even targeting travellers who think they are booking rental cars, in-country transportation, and the humble day trip.
And that’s before you even get to the phishing emails and deceptive booking confirmations. Even though you might be tech savvy, the leaks of millions of people’s data from multiple tourist-related platforms can even outfox veteran travellers.
More worryingly, according to IT experts who monitor the dark web, these scams are not a secret. Criminal gangs quickly sell their strategies online to others. Don’t be caught off guard by fake QR codes or hotels requesting more money.
Combating the cheats
Staying vigilant can often be easier said than done. However, when booking through third-party sites, always adopt a skeptical approach. Don’t believe the first ad or link you see on Google or Facebook. Always double-check it and ensure you are booking through the right website.
Adopt two-factor authentication, update your systems, verify booking sources, and never click impulsively on information or discounts that will be too good to be true.
Always check the fine print and ensure the cancellation policy is clear and refundable. Book using a credit card, as this will give you greater protection. If you believe you have been scammed, contact your bank immediately to put a block on your funds or to report the scam.
If necessary, take the hit and book directly with verified hotel or airline websites to ensure that your booking is at the source.
Watch your bank account in the weeks after booking or finishing a holiday, as sometimes criminal gangs can hit long after your holiday is a memory.
Bottom line: stay aware.
Andy Probert is an independent journalist who writes about global travel news, airlines, airports, and business. His work has appeared globally on the BBC, and in many national newspapers and magazines.
