May 12, 2025
Planning a vacation this year? Verify your confirmation email before clicking anything!
Indeed, summer is approaching, and cybercriminals are taking advantage of the 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 potentially infect devices with malware.
Even those who are tech-savvy 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 utilize 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"
- "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 directs you to a convincing but fraudulent website that collects your credentials when you enter them.
Hackers Steal Your Information And/Or Money
If you input your login details on the impersonated website, hackers gain access to your airline, hotel, or financial accounts.
Entering payment information allows them to steal your credit card details or conduct fraudulent transactions.
If the link contains malware, your device and everything on it could be compromised.
Why This Scam Is So Effective
- It Looks Legit: These phishing emails closely mimic genuine confirmation emails, including logos, formatting, and familiar-looking links.
- It Plays On Urgency: Phrases like "reservation issue" or "flight change" can trigger panic, prompting quick actions without careful thought.
- 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.
For those traveling 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.
With numerous confirmation emails received, a fraudulent one can easily go unnoticed. A single click from an office manager, travel coordinator, or executive assistant 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 visit the airline, hotel, or booking website directly 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) - Even if credentials are compromised, MFA provides an additional layer of security.
- Lock Down Business Email Accounts - Implement email security measures to block malicious links and attachments.
Don't Let A Fake Travel Email Cost You Business
Cybercriminals are well aware of when and how to strike, and the travel season is a prime opportunity.
If you or anyone on your team handles work-related travel, reservations, or expense reports, you are a target.
Let's ensure your business is safeguarded.
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.
Click here or give us a call at 720-449-3379 to schedule your FREE
15-Minute Discovery Call today!
