Summer is high time for adventure and exploration — and, unfortunately, cyber scams. With travelers increasingly relying on digital tools, criminals have devised new ways to exploit vulnerabilities. These cyber scams can lead to financial loss, identity theft and more. From fake booking sites to sneaky phishing attempts, they can turn a well-deserved dream vacation into a nightmare.
By being aware of the most common travel-related cyber scams, globe trotters can take steps to protect their information and enjoy a worry-free vacation. Here are some of the top ones to watch for.
1. Fake Travel Booking Websites
Fake travel booking websites mimic legitimate platforms, offering deals on flights, hotels and vacation packages that seem too good to pass up. These sites often have professional designs and may even use stolen logos from well-known brands. Once vacationers enter their payment details, the scammers vanish, leaving victims with canceled trips and compromised financial information.
Protection Tip
Travelers should verify the legitimacy of travel booking sites by checking for secure URLs — those starting with “https,” reading reviews and booking directly through known platforms. Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or advertisements that promise steep discounts.
2. Free Wi-Fi Traps
Public Wi-Fi networks — often found in airports, hotels and cafes — are a haven for cybercriminals. Hackers can create fake Wi-Fi networks with names similar to legitimate ones. When people connect to these networks, their passwords, credit card details and private emails can be intercepted.
Protection Tip
Travelers should avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities like online banking or shopping. When connecting to Wi-Fi, ensure it’s secured and provided by a trusted source. A virtual private network adds an extra layer of security by encrypting internet traffic.
3. Phishing Emails and Messages
Phishing is a common tactic for stealing sensitive information that’s responsible for approximately 90% of data breaches. Cybercriminals often send emails or messages pretending to be from airlines, hotels or travel agencies, asking vacationers to confirm their booking details or enter their personal information. These communications may include links to fake websites or attachments containing malware.
In 2024, researchers found Microsoft was the most impersonated brand in phishing emails, with 68 million messages using the brand name. This statistic highlights the need for vigilance when receiving communications that appear to be from well-known companies.
Protection Tip
Since 94% of cyberattacks are carried out via email, trekkers must be especially cautious when receiving unsolicited messages during their trips. They should look out for messages that request personal data. Legitimate enterprises rarely ask for sensitive information via email. To verify the request, contacting the business directly through its official website or customer service number is best.
4. Travel App Scams
Mobile apps are essential to modern travel, helping with everything from booking accommodations to navigating new cities. However, some malicious apps are designed to steal personal data or infect devices with malware. They pose as legitimate travel tools but secretly collect information like login credentials or credit card numbers.
Protection Tip
Travelers should only download apps from official app stores like Google Play or the Apple App Store. Before downloading, they should read reviews, check the developer’s information and ensure the app has been recently updated, which indicates ongoing support and security improvements.
5. Social Media Scams
Social media is a powerful tool for sightseers to share their experiences, but it can also be a gateway for cyber scams. Scammers may create fake social media accounts or pages that offer travel deals, discounts or giveaways. Once vacationers engage, they might be tricked into providing personal information or downloading malicious software.
Protection Tip
Be wary of deals or promotions that seem too good to be true, especially on social media. Verify the authenticity of the accounts offering deals by checking their activity, follower count and official website links. Generally, avoid clicking on suspicious links, use strong and unique passwords, and don’t share personal data like birth dates and addresses as much as possible via social media.
6. QR Code Scams
QR codes have become a convenient way to access menus, tickets and other services while traveling. However, cybercriminals can replace legitimate codes with malicious ones in public places like restaurants, tourist attractions or transport hubs. Scanning a fake QR code can lead trekkers to fraudulent websites that steal personal information or install malware on their devices.
Protection Tip
Travelers should verify the source of the QR code before scanning. They should avoid scanning those in suspicious locations and consider using a code scanner app that can preview the URL before redirecting.
7. SIM Card Swapping
SIM card swapping is a sophisticated scam where cybercriminals trick mobile carriers into transferring a victim’s phone number to a new SIM card. Once they have control of the phone number, they can bypass two-factor authentication and gain access to sensitive accounts, including email, banking and social media.
Protection Tip
Globe trotters should protect their mobile accounts by setting up a PIN or password with their carrier. It’s also crucial to monitor accounts for unusual activity and avoid sharing personal data online that could help scammers impersonate them.
8. Fake Travel Insurance Offers
As travel insurance becomes more popular, many scammers sell fake policies that promise extensive coverage at low prices. These fraudulent offers often appear in unsolicited emails or ads, leading travelers to websites collecting personal and payment information.
Protection Tip
Vacationers should purchase travel insurance directly from reputable insurance companies or through well-known travel agencies. They should carefully read the policy details and investigate the insurance provider’s legitimacy by checking online reviews and contacting customer service directly.
Staying Safe on the Digital Road
As the travel industry becomes more digital, so, too, do the tactics of cybercriminals. Awareness and vigilance are the keys to avoiding these scams. Travelers can protect themselves by practicing safe online habits, such as verifying the legitimacy of websites and apps, being cautious with public W-Fi, and being skeptical of unsolicited communications. These steps allow them to enjoy their summer vacation and stay safe from cyber scams.
As the Features Editor at ReHack, Zac Amos writes about cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other tech topics. He is a frequent contributor to Brilliance Security Magazine.
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