Travel scams are getting harder to spot. Here’s how to stay safe
NEW YORK (AP) — Pickpockets were once the biggest worry for travelers heading to new destinations on vacation.
Travel scams have become increasingly sophisticated in the digital age, making it harder for travelers to spot fakes. According to Florent Silve, an executive at Engine, a corporate travel management platform, fake websites now appear more legitimate due to the use of AI tools and stolen data. A June Federal Trade Commission report revealed that Americans lost $3.5 billion to scams that year, with impostor scams being the most common.
Scammers often target victims before they even board a plane by pretending to be the hotel or airline, taking advantage of the expectation of receiving communications from these companies. These scams are particularly dangerous as they appear authentic rather than suspicious. To avoid reservation hijacking, a new travel scam, never rush to make a payment through provided links. Instead, call the hotel directly using the official website's contact number.
Another common scam involves flight cancellations. Scammers claim your flight has been canceled, offering to rebook you for an additional fee. Resist the urge to click on any provided links and verify the information directly with your airline's portal or website. Lastly, avoid sharing your travel documents online or using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities, as scammers may exploit these opportunities to steal personal information or gain unauthorized access to your devices.
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