Artificial intelligence is driving an unprecedented rise in holiday travel scams. As this technology advances, so do scammers’ ways to take your money, with their methods taking over the entire travel industry.
according to booking.comAI-related scams increased in 2023, stealing more than $265,000 from travel fraud victims. Almost $1,000 was defrauded out of 4 passengers.
AI helps fraudsters create realistic-looking phishing emails, create attractive fake websites, and even create chatbots that impersonate customer service professionals. The better the AI, the harder it is to decipher fraud from reality.
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AI prompt-generator experts AIPRM It compiled a list of the top AI-powered threats to holiday travelers in 2024.
Fake airline and hotel booking websites
When it comes to travel fraud, AI makes the need for tech savvy almost obsolete. Fraudsters easily build fake websites and travel booking platforms that offer low prices for flights and accommodation. Limited-time sales and other urgent messages attract potential travelers.
Once potential travelers enter their details, fraudsters can gain access to users’ personal information and money.
Avoid falling for these types of scams by looking for the finer details. Check URLs carefully, note even the smallest spelling mistakes and always check that the website or platform you’re using is legitimate before entering details.
according to Forbesrental scams play a major role in AI-related theft. Fraudsters post AI-generated ads for rental properties, adding stunning photos of rentals that don’t exist. These fraudsters do everything they can to convince travelers to opt out of their fake app and provide their financial details directly.
Chatbots and travel deals
Human AI chatbots can perfectly fool travelers they don’t know. Chatbots easily replace customer service representatives and offer hard-to-reach discounts. They will ask for personal information and try to get passengers to pre-pay for non-existent trips.
Hopefully by avoiding fake chatbots travel offers it is not as complicated as other scams. The first line of defense is to verify the offers you find through trusted platforms and websites. Do not click or follow any suspicious links offered through these systems. Instead, pull from trusted sources and verify travel details, phone numbers, addresses, pictures and other information before entering personal data.
Phishing scams
According to AIPRM, 1 in 5 people will click on an AI-generated phishing email. These ads and persuasive emails will convince consumers to click on a link within the email. These emails often exploit fake emergencies, such as sudden flight cancellations.
Fraudsters convince consumers that clicking on the link in the email is the only way to enter updated payment information in order to save their already scheduled and paid for flight.
The good news is that consumers can easily stay protected from them holiday travel scams with a bit of duplication. Instead of clicking on suspicious links in an email, check your flight details using official booking platforms such as airline websites.
Red flags to avoid
While fraudsters will find new ways to scam people out of their hard-earned money, there are some general considerations to keep in mind, no matter where consumers are online.
Urgency
Scammers are great at creating a false sense of urgency. If the deal expires in 10 minutes, two hours, or any other unreasonable amount of time, it’s likely a scam.
In a news release, AIPRM founder Christoph C. Cemper explained that “urgency, no matter how well explained (using Generative AI) is a red flag for any type of fraud, including travel and vacation bookings.”
‘Too good to be true’
Watch out for offers that seem too good to be true and ads that entice consumers to immediately share financial details. In short, check everything before giving out personal or financial information.
Cemper addresses this in the news release: “Almost anything can be faked with AI these days, so if it’s ‘very’ well-written, ‘too-good’ to be true in the bid, or ‘too-nice’ in the images, then I’d be especially careful.”
In short, avoid falling prey to impulse decisions. Research brands or services before providing personal information, and explore more specific details.
What to do if you receive a scam
AIPRM says once a consumer a victim fraudthey should immediately consider all shared details unnecessary. Immediately cancel any shared credit or debit cards and notify your bank.
Even though it’s inconvenient, closing everything down is the best way to prevent fraudsters from using consumer information to make more mistakes. Report the incident to the police, understanding that although you must notify them, the resolution is rare.
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