May 12, 2025
Planning a vacation this year? Verify your confirmation email before clicking anything!
Summer is approaching, and cybercriminals are taking advantage of the travel season by sending 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 the most tech-savvy travelers are falling victim.
Here's How The Scam Works
A Fake Booking Confirmation Arrives In Your Inbox
The email may look like it's from reputable travel companies like Expedia, Delta, or Marriott.
Hackers often replicate official logos, use correct formatting, and even provide "customer support" numbers.
Subject lines create a sense of 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 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 execute 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 perfectly imitate real confirmation emails, including logos, formatting, and familiar-looking links.
- It Plays On Urgency: A "reservation issue" or "flight change" can trigger panic, prompting quick and unthinking actions.
- People Are Distracted: Whether they're 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.
For businesses, this scam is even more hazardous. Often, one person manages all travel reservations—flights, hotels, rental cars, and conference bookings.
With numerous confirmation emails received, a fraudulent one can easily be overlooked. A single click from an office manager, travel coordinator, or executive assistant could:
- Expose the company credit card to fraud.
- Compromise login credentials for corporate travel accounts.
- Introduce malware into the company network if the scam includes malicious attachments.
How To Protect Yourself And Your Business
- Verify Before You Click - Always go 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 exact (e.g., "@deltacom.com" instead of "@delta.com").
- Warn Your Team - Train employees to recognize phishing scams, especially those managing company travel bookings.
- Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA) - MFA adds an extra layer of security, even if credentials are stolen.
- Lock Down Business Email Accounts - Implement security measures to block malicious links and attachments.
Don't Let A Fake Travel Email Cost You Business
Cybercriminals are strategic and know when to strike—travel season is a prime opportunity.
If you or anyone on your team books work-related travel or manages reservations, you are a target.
Let's ensure your business is protected.
Start with a FREE 15-Minute 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 (336) 443-0061 to schedule your FREE
15-Minute Discovery Call today!
