Summer break is a time when many families plan vacations. However, it's crucial to be aware of a current scam targeting travelers. As costs for everything from groceries to travel rise, it's natural to seek online bargains for a memorable trip within your budget. According to recent reports, cybercriminals are exploiting this opportunity with sophisticated AI-generated phishing emails, designed to deceive recipients into spending more than their vacation funds. Booking.com's CISO, Marnie Wilking, has reported a dramatic increase of 500% to 900% in travel-related scams over the past year and a half using this deceptive tactic.

How do these scams operate? While phishing emails have been around since the early days of the internet, advancements in AI technology like ChatGPT have made it easier for scammers to create authentic-looking fraudulent emails. Unlike older phishing attempts that were often riddled with obvious errors, these new emails can appear legitimate, making them more likely to deceive unsuspecting recipients.

Here’s how they typically work:

Scammers target popular booking platforms such as Booking.com or Airbnb.com, where properties are listed for short-term rentals. They send out emails advertising unbelievably low rates or urgent, time-limited deals on properties that don't actually exist. Once payment is made, the scammers either disappear with the money, leaving the renter without accommodation, or they continue to solicit additional "fees" or "charges" under false pretenses.

It's important to note that these vacation-focused phishing scams are not new. The danger now is that, with the use of AI, these scams are becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect.

What can you do to protect yourself and your community?

Follow these essential steps:

  1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Where possible, activate two-factor or multi-factor authentication for added security when logging into accounts.
  2. Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links: If you receive an email advertising an exceptionally good deal, exercise caution. Instead of clicking on provided links, visit the website directly and verify the offer independently.
  3. Verify Property Listings: Before booking any property online, ensure that contact information and reviews from verified users are readily accessible. Established reviews decrease the likelihood of falling victim to a scam.
  4. Use Credit Cards for Online Transactions: Protect yourself from financial loss by using credit cards rather than debit cards directly linked to your bank account. Credit cards offer additional safeguards against fraudulent transactions.

Vigilance is paramount. Analyze every email offer received and adhere to cybersecurity best practices. While standard security software can detect some scam emails, being alert and identifying potential red flags is crucial.

Personal scams can disrupt our students' vacations, and security breaches can compromise the integrity of your institution. To strengthen your school network's security, feel free to contact us at 305-403-7582 or click here to schedule a FREE Discovery Call with our team. We're here to assist you. Enjoy a well-deserved summer break and remember to stay safe online.