May 12, 2025
Planning a vacation this year? Verify your confirmation email is genuine BEFORE clicking 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, take over your online accounts, and potentially infect your device 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 originate from reputable travel companies like Expedia, Delta, or Marriott.
Scammers often incorporate official logos, use proper formatting, and even include "customer support" numbers.
Subject lines create urgency:
- "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 records your credentials when entered.
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 information, they can steal your credit card details 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 resemble actual confirmation emails, including logos, formatting, and seemingly familiar links.
- It Plays On Urgency: Phrases like "reservation issue" or "flight change" incite panic, prompting quick actions without careful consideration.
- People Are Distracted: Whether in the midst of work or excited about travel, 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 companies have one person managing all reservations—flights, hotels, rental cars, and conference bookings.
With numerous confirmation emails received, a fraudulent one can easily 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 navigate directly to the airline, hotel, or booking website instead of following 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, particularly 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 precisely when and how to strike, making travel season a prime target.
If you or anyone on your team is responsible for work-related travel, reservations, or expense reports, you are at risk.
Let's ensure your business is safeguarded.
Start with a FREE 15-Minute Consult. 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 804-796-2631 to schedule your FREE
15-Minute Consult today!
