Summer is peak season—not just for vacations, but for cybercriminals too. If you're planning a trip this year, double-check that your confirmation email is legitimate before clicking anything.
Scammers are ramping up travel-related phishing attacks, sending emails that appear to come from reputable sources like Delta, Expedia, or Marriott. These emails look almost identical to real booking confirmations—but instead of getting you to your destination, they could be the gateway to identity theft, financial fraud, or malware infections.
Even seasoned travelers and tech-savvy professionals are falling for it.
How the Scam Works
Step 1: A Fake Booking Email Arrives in Your Inbox
It may look official—with authentic logos, branding, and even a fake customer service number. Subject lines are crafted to spark urgency:
- “Your Flight Itinerary Has Changed – Click Here to Review”
- “Reservation Confirmed: Final Step Required”
- “Your Hotel Stay Details Are Ready – View Now”
Step 2: You Click the Link and Land on a Spoofed Website
The email prompts you to log in, update payment information, or download your itinerary. The site it leads to looks real but is actually designed to steal your credentials or financial details.
Step 3: Your Information—and Money—Is Stolen
Entering your login or payment info gives hackers access to your travel or financial accounts. Some links also deliver malware, potentially compromising your device and even your company's network.
Why This Travel Scam Works So Well
- It Looks Legit: Scammers expertly replicate real travel confirmations, down to the fonts and links.
- It Feeds on Urgency: Messages about reservation issues or itinerary changes make people act quickly—often without thinking.
- It Hits When You’re Distracted: Vacation excitement or a busy workday makes it easy to miss red flags.
It’s Not Just Personal – It's a Serious Threat for Businesses Too
This isn’t just a personal risk. If your team travels for work, these scams pose a real threat to your organization. Office managers, executive assistants, or anyone handling travel arrangements are prime targets. A single click could:
- Expose company credit card information
- Compromise corporate travel accounts
- Unleash malware into your business network
How to Protect Yourself and Your Business
- Verify Before You Click: Never trust email links for bookings. Always visit the company’s official website directly.
- Inspect the Sender’s Email Address: Watch for slight misspellings or fake domains like “@deltacom.com.”
- Train Your Team: Ensure everyone, especially those managing business travel, can recognize phishing attempts.
- Use Multifactor Authentication (MFA): This adds a layer of protection even if login credentials are stolen.
- Harden Email Security: Implement solutions that scan for suspicious links and attachments before they reach employee inboxes.
Don’t Let a Fake Email Cost Your Business
Cybercriminals are counting on people being too rushed or distracted to double-check. With travel-related phishing scams on the rise, now is the time to strengthen your defenses.
Let us help. Start with a FREE Cybersecurity Assessment to uncover vulnerabilities, boost protection, and safeguard your team from scams like this.
👉 Click here to schedule your FREE assessment today, or call us at (281)-646-1200
