May 12, 2025
Planning a vacation this year? Verify the legitimacy of your confirmation email BEFORE clicking on anything!
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 your personal and financial information, hijack your online accounts, and potentially infect your 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 originate from reputable travel companies like Expedia, Delta, or Marriott.
Hackers often utilize official logos, proper formatting, and even "customer support" phone 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 confirm details, update payment information, or download your itinerary.
Clicking the link leads you to a convincing but fraudulent website that captures your credentials when you enter them.
Hackers Steal Your Information And/Or Money
If you input 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 carry out fraudulent transactions.
If the link contains malware, your device and all its data could be compromised.
Why This Scam Is So Effective
- It Looks Legit: These phishing emails closely mimic genuine confirmation emails, complete with logos, formatting, and familiar-looking links.
- It Plays On Urgency: Phrases like "reservation issue" or "flight change" incite panic, prompting quick actions without careful thought.
- People Are Distracted: Whether busy with work or excited about a 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 who travel for work, this scam poses an even greater threat. Many companies have one person managing all travel arrangements, including flights, hotels, rental cars, and conference bookings.
With numerous confirmation emails received, a fraudulent one can easily blend in. 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 navigate directly to the airline, hotel, or booking website 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 identify phishing scams, especially those responsible for 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 know when and how to strike, and the travel season is a prime opportunity.
If you or anyone on your team is involved in booking work-related travel, handling reservations, or managing expense reports, you are a target.
Let's ensure your business stays protected.
Start with a FREE 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 907-865-3100 to schedule your FREE
Discovery Call today!
