Traveling can be a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of work and daily life. However, with a lack of vigilance and advancements in technology such as internet and payment methods, tourists often fall victim to scams. Experts are urging people to be aware of six danger signals of travel fraud to avoid being taken advantage of.
According to a report by The Huffington Post, Brittany Allen, a credit and security designer at the U.S. computer and internet security company Sift, stated that travel fraud has become one of the most common ways for scammers to deceive consumers and businesses.
She explained, “Accessible technologies and information on the dark web have lowered the barrier for entry into fraud, and these cybercriminals are taking advantage of it.”
Data from the company shows that from the third quarter of 2023 to the second quarter of 2024, online travel and accommodation payment fraud cases have doubled.
Therefore, being vigilant against danger signals of travel fraud to avoid becoming a victim is crucial. Here are the six danger signals provided by multiple experts for people to pay attention to.
Ned S. Levi, a columnist for the non-profit organization “Travelers United” and an expert in travel fraud, emphasized the importance of identifying online or email scams. Levi advised that if something seems too good to be true, it is likely a scam.
It’s essential to be cautious of face-to-face fraud as well. Don’t fall into the trap of scam drivers offering cheap car rentals from the airport.
Julian Moro, Senior Associate Vice President and Regional Security Advisor at “International SOS,” a UK health and safety service company, cautioned against using unlicensed taxis or private cars, and recommended booking through reputable ride-sharing apps.
Allen warned people to watch out for suspicious internet links, such as URLs with strange characters, inconsistent website descriptions, grammatical errors, or the use of characters in place of letters.
She pointed out that when discovering a website through social media or other sites, extra care must be taken, as such marketing may not have undergone thorough review.
When searching online, be extra cautious, as criminals can design their websites to appear at the top of search results to grab your attention. Additionally, when needing to contact customer service, visit the website directly and look for the ‘contact us’ page, as many scammers place fake customer service phone numbers online.
Before sharing sensitive information online, if you notice spelling or grammar errors on a website, poor image quality, or design, exercise caution.
Amy Nofziger from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network recommended paying attention to requested payment methods. If asked to use prepaid gift cards, cryptocurrencies, or peer-to-peer apps, it is likely a scam.
Moro advised using credit cards and traveler’s checks as much as possible, avoiding carrying excess cash, especially when traveling to unfamiliar remote areas.
Ally Armeson, Executive Director of the non-profit organization Cybercrime Support Network, stressed the use of credit cards for all bookings, as they offer more fraud protection measures compared to debit cards. Even if your credit card details fall into the wrong hands, you can contact the credit card company’s fraud department to address the issue.
Armeson urged people not to trust any form of unsolicited communication. She emphasized conducting independent research using official websites and phone numbers, rather than those provided in unsolicited messages.
Levi advised arranging trips through well-known travel agencies, especially online ones. It’s essential to visit their websites directly rather than through search results or email links.
If you encounter aggressive sales pitches, this could be a red flag, prompting you to reconsider the enticing travel opportunity.
Nofziger cautioned against letting FOMO (fear of missing out) dictate your decisions. Take time to gather information and carefully consider your transactions. Legitimate companies won’t pressure you into making a purchase.
She recommended conducting research and reviewing travel agencies or deals before making payments. You can search for the company’s name along with terms like “fraud” or “complaints” in a search engine to check for negative feedback from others.
If a travel agency insists on sharing sensitive financial or personal information that isn’t necessary for your booking, or provides information through unofficial channels like unsolicited calls or emails, it could be another danger signal.
Allen emphasized the importance of not providing personal information such as credit card details or bank account numbers unless confirming the legitimacy of the website, app, or communication method. Once scammers have these details, they can engage in identity theft or drain your bank account in your name.
Moro suggested refraining from sharing accommodation and itinerary information with strangers when starting your journey. If traveling in a group, avoid separating from them.