May 12, 2025
Planning a vacation this year? Verify the legitimacy of your confirmation email BEFORE clicking anything!
With summer approaching, cybercriminals are taking advantage of the travel season by sending fake booking confirmations that closely resemble emails from airlines, hotels, and travel agencies. These scams aim to steal personal and financial information, hijack online accounts, and even infect devices with malware.
Even tech-savvy travelers are falling victim.
Here's How The Scam Works
A Fake Booking Confirmation Arrives In Your Inbox
The email may seem to come from reputable travel companies like Expedia, Delta, or Marriott. Hackers often use official logos, proper formatting, and even "customer support" numbers. Subject lines create a sense of urgency, such as "Your Trip To Miami Has Been Confirmed! Click Here For Details" or "Action Required: Confirm Your Hotel Stay."
You Click The Link And Are Redirected To A Fake Website
The email prompts you to "log in" to confirm details, update payment information, or download your itinerary. Clicking the link takes you to a convincing but fraudulent website that collects your credentials when you enter them.
Hackers Steal Your Information And/Or Money
If you enter your login credentials on the impersonated website, hackers gain access to your airline, hotel, or financial accounts. If you provide payment details, they can steal your credit card information or execute fraudulent transactions. If the link contains malware, your device and its data could be compromised.
Why This Scam Is So Effective
- It Looks Legit: These phishing emails closely mimic real confirmation emails, complete with logos, formatting, and familiar-looking links.
- It Plays On Urgency: Phrases about "reservation issues" or "flight changes" can trigger panic, causing people to act quickly without verifying.
- People Are Distracted: Whether busy with work or excited about travel, individuals are less likely to check an email's authenticity carefully.
It's Not Just Personal - It's a Business Risk Too
For businesses with employees who travel for work, this scam poses an even greater threat. Many companies have one person managing all travel reservations, making it easy for a fraudulent email to be overlooked. A single click from an office manager or travel coordinator could:
- Expose your company credit card to fraud.
- Compromise login credentials for corporate travel accounts.
- Introduce malware into your company network if the scam includes malicious attachments.
How To Protect Yourself And Your Business
- Verify Before You Click - Always visit the airline, hotel, or booking website directly instead of using email links.
- Check The Sender's Email Address - Scammers often use addresses that are similar but not identical (e.g., "@deltacom.com" instead of "@delta.com").
- Warn Your Team - Educate employees about recognizing phishing scams, especially those involved in company travel bookings.
- Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA) - MFA provides an additional layer of security, even if credentials are compromised.
- Lock Down Business Email Accounts - Implement security measures to block malicious links and attachments.
Don't Let A Fake Travel Email Cost You Business
Cybercriminals know when and how to strike, making travel season a prime target. If you or anyone on your team is responsible for booking work-related travel or managing reservations, you're at risk.
Ensure your business is protected.
Start with a FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call. We'll check for vulnerabilities,
strengthen your defenses and help safeguard your team against phishing scams
like this.
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