May 12, 2025
Planning a vacation this year? Ensure your confirmation email is legitimate BEFORE you click anything!
Summer is approaching, and cybercriminals are taking advantage of the travel season by sending out 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 those who are tech-savvy are falling victim to these scams.
Here's How The Scam Works
A Fake Booking Confirmation Arrives In Your Inbox
The email may appear to come from well-known travel companies like Expedia, Delta, or Marriott. Hackers often use official logos, 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," or "Final Step: Complete Your Rental Car Reservation."
You Click The Link And Are Redirected To A Fake Website
The email encourages you to "log in" to confirm details, update payment information, or download your itinerary. Clicking the link takes you to a convincing but fake website that captures 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 everything on it 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: Seeing a "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 an email's authenticity.
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. With numerous confirmation emails, 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 contains 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 exact (e.g., "@deltacom.com" instead of "@delta.com").
- Warn Your Team - Educate employees to recognize phishing scams, particularly those involved in company travel bookings.
- Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA) - Even if credentials are stolen, MFA provides an extra 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 know the right time and method to strike, making travel season a prime target. If you or anyone on your team is involved in booking work-related travel, managing reservations, or handling expense reports, you're at risk.
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