7 Travel Scams to Watch Out for

In 2024, travelers were scammed out of $274 million in vacation and travel fraud, and with scammers becoming increasingly sneakier, staying on top of the most common travel scams is essential.

This year, the seven most common travel scams are:

Phishing Travel Apps, Fake Booking Websites

Did you know one in five U.S. travelers encountered a travel-booking scam? Cybercriminals create counterfeit versions of well-known travel and itinerary apps, particularly those downloaded from unofficial app stores. These apps and websites often spread spyware and steal login credentials. To stay safe, download apps only from official stores and use websites with secure HTTPS encryption. Avoid listings with bad grammar, requests for bank transfers or pressure to move off platform, as well as unusual domain endings and unverified reviews.

Fake Accommodation Listings

Scammers have been known to make convincing but fake accommodation listings on legitimate platforms and social media, often displayed with irresistible discounts. And, unfortunately, victims don’t even know they’ve been scammed until they arrive to find the property doesn’t even exist.

Public WiFi

A recent study found 69 percent of Americans regularly connect to public WiFi, but this allows hackers who create fake hotspots mimicking hotel or café networks to steal log-in credentials, inject malware and intercept data. Avoid networks with no password or suspicious names, confirm the official network name with hotel staff or signage, and avoid logging into sensitive accounts without a VPN.

Deepfake Customer Support

AI has many advantages, but scammers have also used it to their benefit, impersonating travel company customer service agents via video chats, voice calls and even live chatbots. These “agents” aim to harvest personal data and demand fraudulent payments. Never trust unsolicited contact via unverified numbers or WhatsApp. Always crosscheck with the official company website before engaging.

Fake Currency Exchange Counters

In major tourist destinations, counterfeit currency exchange booths offer “special rates,” which actually entail hidden fees, forged notes or shortchanging travelers. Avoid booths with no official signage, refusal to provide receipts, handheld calculators instead of printed receipts, and no affiliation with banks or licensed exchange providers.

False Travel Insurance Offers

Don’t fall for cut-price travel insurance on social media and unknown websites. These often have no real policy behind them, and victims only discover the truth when trying to make a claim abroad. Be cautious of insurers offering vague details, no option to speak to a real representative, or those pressuring to pay in cryptocurrency or gift cards.

QR Code Payment Fraud

QR codes are everywhere these days, but scammers, unfortunately, use it to their advantage, replacing legitimate QR codes with fraudulent lookalikes to redirect users to phishing sites to steal payment information and login credentials, or install malware. Before scanning QR codes, double-check the URL, look for HTTPS and consider using mobile antivirus software. It also never hurts to ask staff to verify if the code is affiliated with a restaurant, car park, museum, etc.

These tips were provided by AIPRM.