As summer wraps up and many people plan their last-minute getaways, a new and convincing phishing scam is making the rounds. As travel and food costs continue to rise, travelers are hunting for the best deals online. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are taking advantage of this with AI-generated phishing emails that are alarmingly difficult to detect. Booking.com reports a massive surge in these scams, with an increase of 500% to 900% in the past 18 months, according to their CISO, Marnie Wilking.

How Does the Scam Work?

These scammers often pose as legitimate platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb.com, offering unbelievable deals on nonexistent vacation properties. The scam starts with a seemingly professional email offering a time-sensitive deal. Once the victim pays, the scammer vanishes—leaving the victim without a place to stay—or demands additional “fees” before disappearing entirely.

Why AI is Making Phishing Scams Worse

Phishing emails have been around for decades, but AI tools like ChatGPT have taken them to another level. These AI-generated emails are nearly flawless, without the obvious spelling or grammatical mistakes that once made phishing attempts easier to spot. The professional quality of these emails makes them much more difficult for both security software and individuals to detect.

How to Protect Yourself from Vacation Scams

Before booking that dream vacation, follow these steps to avoid becoming the next victim:

1- Use Two-Factor or Multifactor Authentication
Having a confirmation code sent to your phone whenever you log in can help prevent phishing attacks and secure your credentials.

2- Avoid Clicking on Email Links
If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is! Always go directly to the website to verify any special offers. If you can’t find the deal, it’s probably a scam.

3- Check Reviews and Contact Information
Ensure that other verified users have stayed at the property, and check for clear contact details before booking. These are key indicators of legitimate listings.

4- Use Credit Cards for Online Transactions
Credit cards offer better protection than debit cards in the event of fraud. If a debit card is compromised, it’s much harder to get your money back.

Stay Vigilant Against Scams

It’s crucial to stay on high alert. Even if you’re using standard security software, not all phishing emails will be detected. Always analyze emails for red flags and use cybersecurity best practices to keep yourself and your business safe.

A vacation scam may ruin your trip, but a breach in your business’s network could have devastating financial consequences. For personalized advice on securing your network, call us at 718.412.9196 or click here to book a FREE 10-minute discovery call with one of our cybersecurity experts. Let’s create a plan that keeps your business safe so you can enjoy your summer vacation with peace of mind.