8 Foolproof Tips to Safeguard Holiday Travel from Scams

Sadly, travel scams are common everywhere, with various fraudulent schemes impacting travellers each year. In 2023, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received over 55,000 reports of travel fraud, resulting in a staggering $49 million in total losses.

Image source YouTube on Google

Safe to say, whether you are booking, travelling, or already on the road or air, here are 10 straightforward tips from cyber-security and travel fraud experts:

Image source Starling Bank on Google

1. If the matter seems urgent or you feel pressured, that's your first red flag.

Scammers try to play on your emotions, or they try to get you to react quickly if you don't take action, then there will be chances to be trapped into a disaster situation. They often push for immediate action like sending OTP which creates a sense of urgency. Genuine businesses do everything with ease, especially in customer service-oriented industries like hotels.

Remember, if you are ever pressured to act urgently in a situation that doesn't seem right, it is more likely a warning sign of a scammer.

2. Understand the difference anything can be faked

Let's be aware that phishing emails used to have obvious signs like strange hyperlinks, but now they can look extremely professional and leave a sense of doubt. If you are familiar with genuine emails from banks would include your name. However, scammers can now fake this, making it less reliable as a sign of illegal. Recognize the official websites of real businesses. Even if a page seems genuine, it could be a fake designed to steal your information.

3. Never click on a link or download an attachment from an email and never make mistakes to send money because an email asks for it.

Such kinds of emails can be so convincing that is why you should just avoid certain actions no matter how fair the message looks, "If an email comes asking for money, never trust it.

4. If you are in doubt, contact the business or third-party platform directly (but don't use the contact details you find in the message)'

If there is a real reason you may need to pay for a hotel or service you booked, call them directly - but use a telephone number from the company's website online, not from an email. If the message you received via a third-party booking service, you should go to that booking service and contact their customer service directly to find out if it's genuine.

5. Beware of clicking online ads

One of the biggest mistakes often make of clicking online ads. As soon as you start researching an upcoming holiday, you are planning to see related online advertisements pop up on the website. But, some may be fraud. So, always double-check what's real or not of any company that's being advertised and, when you do your online research. If you are using security software, make sure you are using a browser, a website checker, and the right domain name.

7. Look for reviews

Don't trust anything until you see advice from an experienced person. Scammers create fake apartment listings or hotel ads, tricking travellers. Additionally, always look for reviews of the property. Right places usually have reviews on sites like TripAdvisor. Real reviews can add credibility. If you see an ad or listing, cross-check its existence on trusted review platforms.

8. Never pay with a wire transfer

Private Wi-Fi networks at hotels or apartment rentals can also be risky. Hence, it's advisable to use a VPN and log out of all accounts before leaving the property. It's also essential to use only your chargers and avoid public charging stations provided by anyone else. Recently, the FBI even warned that charging stations could be used by hackers to introduce malware onto devices, a practice known as "juice jacking."

What's the catch?

If you want to avoid the hassle of protecting yourself while travelling, you can consider hiring a travel agent. The travel industry has seen a rise in the use of travel agents, particularly after the pandemic, as tourists desire extra protection. However, if you prefer to book travel online, there are still ways to protect yourself from cyber threats and fraudsters.