Warning about travel scams via text message: Sophisticated tactics and how to avoid them.
Travelers are facing a new form of scam involving text messages containing genuine booking codes, a tactic that is expected to drive up travel fraud in 2024.
A new form of travel scam is causing widespread concern among travelers who receive fake text messages. These messages are increasingly sophisticated, accurately mimicking official notifications from hotels or online booking platforms to steal user information.
The tactic involves exploiting tourists' fears.
According to reports on the social media platform Reddit, scammers often send messages notifying travelers that they need to provide or verify additional payment information to secure their previously booked reservations. The messages reassure recipients that the process is "quick, secure, and will not incur any charges," but simultaneously warn that the system will automatically cancel the reservation if verification is not completed within 24 hours.
Notably, these scam messages often contain specific personal information such as booking confirmation codes, stay dates, and hotel names, making it very difficult for victims to distinguish between genuine and fake messages. Experts advise travelers not to respond directly to these messages but to contact the hotel or service provider directly through official channels to verify the information.
Recommendations from international organizations
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a warning, advising people to absolutely not click on links in suspicious text messages. The FTC emphasizes that reputable companies would never request verification of sensitive account information via text message. If in doubt, recipients should proactively search for the company's official phone number or website to verify the information.
In reality, travel scams are on the rise. A report from Mastercard indicates that fraud related to advance travel planning in 2024 increased by more than 12% compared to the previous year. At popular tourist destinations during peak season, this fraud rate could even reach 28%.
Risks related to personal data security.
Besides fake messages, other common scams include the use of digitally altered destination images, fake confirmation links, and unusually low-priced offers. Recently, there have also been cases of fraudsters stealing baggage tags to obtain personal information and then filing fraudulent claims for lost luggage. Travelers are advised to remove and destroy baggage tags as soon as they return home to protect their personal rights.
To minimize risks, experts recommend that travelers be vigilant against any unusual notifications and avoid hastily providing personal information. Using credit cards with strong fraud protection or purchasing travel insurance are also effective measures to create a safe "shield" against increasingly sophisticated scams.
