May 12, 2025
Planning a vacation this year? Verify your confirmation email before clicking anything!
As summer approaches, 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 potentially infect devices with malware.
Even tech-savvy travelers are falling victim to these schemes.
Here's How The Scam Works
A Fake Booking Confirmation Arrives In Your Inbox
- The email may appear to come from reputable travel companies like Expedia, Delta, or Marriott.
- Hackers often use official logos, correct 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 leads you to a convincing but fraudulent website that captures your credentials.
Hackers Steal Your Information And/Or Money
- If you enter your login details on the impersonated site, hackers gain access to your airline, hotel, or financial accounts.
- Entering payment information can result in stolen credit card details or fraudulent transactions.
- If the link carries malware, your device and all its contents could be compromised.
Why This Scam Is So Effective
- It Looks Legit: These phishing emails closely imitate real confirmation emails, with familiar logos and links.
- It Plays On Urgency: Messages about "reservation issues" or "flight changes" trigger panic, leading individuals to act quickly without verifying.
- People Are Distracted: Whether busy with work or excited about travel, individuals are less likely to scrutinize an email's authenticity.
It's Not Just Personal - It's A Business Risk Too.
For businesses that require travel, this scam poses an even greater threat. Many companies have a single person responsible for all reservations, making it easy for a fraudulent email to go unnoticed. A single click from an office manager or travel coordinator could:
- Expose the company credit card to fraud.
- Compromise login credentials for corporate travel accounts.
- Introduce malware into the company network if the scam includes malicious attachments.
How To Protect Yourself And Your Business
- Verify Before You Click - Always navigate directly to the airline, hotel, or booking website instead of clicking on 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 to recognize phishing scams, especially those managing company travel bookings.
- Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA) - MFA adds an extra 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, with travel season being a prime opportunity. If you or anyone on your team books work-related travel, manages reservations, or handles expense reports, you're a target. Let's ensure your business stays protected.
Start with a FREE Quick and Easy Call. We'll check for vulnerabilities,
strengthen your defenses and help safeguard your team against phishing scams
like this.
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