In the year 2022, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States registered over 55,330 complaints related to travel fraud, encompassing instances such as timeshare property scams, resulting in a collective financial loss of $49 million. Concurrently, a comprehensive survey conducted by McAfee, a leading computer security software company, interviewed 7,000 individuals across seven countries. The survey revealed that one out of every three travelers either fell victim to scams or knew someone who had. Alarmingly, a third of these individuals reported losses exceeding $1,000 before embarking on their vacations.

Whether you find yourself in the process of booking a flight, securing accommodations, or already navigating your journey, consider these 10 invaluable tips provided by experts in cybersecurity and travel fraud to safeguard yourself:

1. Recognize the first warning sign

Urgency or pressure is a common trait in almost all scams. Scammers often manipulate emotions, creating a sense of immediate action required to avoid potential consequences, such as losing a booking. Oliver Devane, a senior security researcher at McAfee Labs specializing in tourism cyber scams, emphasizes the rarity of legitimate situations where rapid response is crucial. Be alert if you encounter demands for swift actions, especially in customer-centric industries like hotels, where a pleasant experience is the norm rather than urgent, high-pressure scenarios.

2. Understand the extent of fakery

Be vigilant, as almost anything can now be convincingly replicated. While some phishing emails exhibit suspicious details, others may appear highly professional with no apparent red flags. Notably, advice from the past, like a bank’s assurance to always include the recipient’s name for authenticity, may not be foolproof today.

In the current landscape, experts caution that even elements such as a recipient’s name or a webpage’s appearance can be skillfully forged.

3. Exercise caution with emails

Refrain from clicking on links or downloading attachments from purported business emails. Additionally, never comply with requests for monetary transactions initiated through email.

The high level of sophistication in deceptive emails underscores the importance of adopting a cautious approach, regardless of the message’s apparent legitimacy. Experts emphasize the necessity of refraining from certain actions, irrespective of how genuine an email may appear. According to Wagner, a steadfast rule is never to trust an email that solicits money.

4. Exercise caution and verify directly

When uncertain about the legitimacy of a message, contact the business or third-party platform directly. However, avoid using the contact details provided in the message. If you need to confirm a payment request for a booked hotel or service, call the company using the telephone number listed on their official website, not the one provided in the email. In cases involving third-party booking services, like the Booking.com scam, reach out to the platform’s customer service directly to authenticate the message. The red flag is raised when scammers attempt to divert you from the original platform.

5. Be cautious with online ads

As you research upcoming holidays online, be wary of clicking on advertisements. Online data harvesting allows scammers to quickly target users with fraudulent ads. Some may even lead you to a site that mimics a familiar third-party booking engine. Verify the legitimacy of advertised companies and consider using a virtual private network (VPN) for encrypted data transmission and a privacy-focused browser like DuckDuckGo to block ad tracking. Ensure your security software supports the browser you use, advises Devane.

6. Stick to reputable third-party booking platforms

Despite scammers targeting established sites like Booking.com, it remains crucial to choose trustworthy third-party booking platforms. Numerous scams involve lesser-known sites that promise services, take payments, and fail to deliver on bookings, especially for airfare.

When opting for an aggregator or third-party site (rather than booking directly with a hotel or airline), experts recommend using well-known, reputable companies you recognize. Ensure you adhere to all other safety tips provided here.

If you find it challenging to recall the exact web address of the third-party site and need to search for it, exercise caution. Avoid clicking on ads that appear in the search results. Instead, click on the organic search result to minimize the risk of encountering fraudulent links.

7. Seek reviews for validation

Scams often involve fake apartment rentals or non-existent hotels, even without third-party involvement. To verify the legitimacy of a property, check for reviews. Whether using a third-party booking site or not, ensure that the business has authentic reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor and Booking.com.

8. Avoid wire transfers

Protect yourself by avoiding payments through wire transfers, as consumer protection regulations typically don’t cover such transactions. Opt for credit or debit cards, which usually provide protection against fraudulent transactions, albeit with potential time and hassle costs. Be cautious with alternative payment methods like cryptocurrency or gift cards, as they offer limited recourse in case of fraud.

9. Maintain vigilance during your travels

Stay alert even after reaching your destination or while en route, as cyber security threats persist. Public Wi-Fi networks, commonly used in places like airports, pose risks such as data capture or malware installation. A survey revealed that four in 10 individuals experienced personal information compromise on public Wi-Fi. Even private networks in hotels or rentals can be exploited. Ensure public Wi-Fi is secured with encryption and consider using a VPN for added protection. When using private Wi-Fi, like in hotels, always log out of accounts to minimize risks.

Additionally, be cautious with device charging. Use only your chargers, avoiding public charging stations or shared chargers provided by others. The FBI has issued warnings about “juice jacking,” where charging stations are exploited by hackers to introduce malware onto devices.

10. Explore the option of a travel agent

To simplify the process and enhance security, consider enlisting the services of a travel agent. Despite perceptions of being outdated, the travel agent industry is experiencing a resurgence, driven partly by tourists seeking added protection, especially in light of pandemic-related travel challenges. For those who prefer online bookings, alternative measures can still be taken to safeguard your travel arrangements.