May 12, 2025
Planning a vacation this year? Ensure your confirmation email is legitimate BEFORE clicking on anything!
Summer is approaching, and cybercriminals are taking advantage of travel season by sending fraudulent 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 those who are tech-savvy are falling victim to these schemes.
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 replicate official logos, use correct formatting, and even provide "customer support" numbers.
- Subject lines create a sense of urgency, such as:
- "Your Trip To Miami Has Been Confirmed! Click Here For Details"
- "Your Flight Itinerary Has Changed - Click Here For Updates"
- "Action Required: Confirm Your Hotel Stay"
- "Final Step: Complete Your Rental Car Reservation"
You Click The Link And Are Redirected To A Fake Website
- The email prompts you to "log in" to verify details, update payment information, or download your itinerary.
- Clicking the link leads you to a convincing but fraudulent website that captures your login information when you enter it.
Hackers Steal Your Information And/Or Money
- If you input your login credentials on the impersonating 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 all its contents) could be compromised.
Why This Scam Is So Effective
- It Looks Legit: These phishing emails closely imitate real confirmation emails, complete with logos, formatting, and familiar-looking links.
- It Plays On Urgency: Phrases like "reservation issue" or "flight change" can incite panic, prompting quick action without careful consideration.
- People Are Distracted: Whether busy with work or excited about an upcoming trip, individuals are less likely to verify the authenticity of an email.
It's Not Just Personal - It's a Business Risk Too.
If you or your team travels for work, this scam poses an even greater threat. Many businesses have one person managing all reservations, including flights, hotels, rental cars, and conference bookings.
Given the volume of confirmation emails received, it's easy for a fraudulent one to go unnoticed. A single click from your office manager, travel coordinator, or executive assistant 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 clicking links in emails.
- 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 on how to recognize phishing scams, especially those involved in company travel bookings.
- Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA): Even if credentials are compromised, MFA provides an additional layer of security.
- Lock Down Business Email Accounts: Implement email security measures to prevent malicious links and attachments.
Don't Let A Fake Travel Email Cost You Business
Cybercriminals know when and how to strike, and travel season is a prime opportunity.
If you or anyone on your team books work-related travel, manages reservations, or oversees expense reports, you are a target.
Let's ensure your business is safeguarded.
Speak to an Expert to get started. We'll check for vulnerabilities,
strengthen your defenses and help safeguard your team against phishing scams
like this.
Click here or give us a call at 332-217-0601 to Speak to an Expert today!
