By Travelling is supposed to be about discovering new places, trying new food and collecting stories worth telling. Unfortunately, tourists can also attract people looking to make a quick profit, or cybercriminals looking to steal something much more valuable than cash.
From fake booking websites to suspicious QR codes, travel scams have become increasingly digital. Kaspersky’s recent research found nearly 270,000 attack attempts disguised as popular travel-related brands over the past year, showing just how much scammers are using travellers’ trust in familiar services. Here are some common travel scams to watch out for on your next trip.
Fake Travel Deals That Look Too Good
A hotel room at half the usual price? A last-minute flight deal that seems almost impossible? That is exactly what makes these scams work. Fake websites can closely imitate airlines, hotels, and booking platforms, asking travellers to enter personal or payment information.
The good news is, Kaspersky has also identified fraudulent pages impersonating well-known booking services, where victims are asked for payment details for reservations that do not actually exist.
How to avoid it: Go directly to the official website or app instead of clicking a booking link sent through an unexpected email, text, or social media message.
The Fake Customer Support Scam
Imagine having a problem with your flight or hotel booking and quickly searching online for customer support. A fake number or social media account can look legitimate enough to fool a tired traveller. The person on the other end may ask for booking information, passwords, card details, or even remote access to your device.
How to avoid it: Find customer support through the company’s official website or app. Never rely on a number from an unverified search result.
QR Code Scams
QR codes are everywhere when travelling. From restaurant menus, airport information to tickets and tourist attractions. But not every QR code is safe. A technique known as quishing, or QR-code phishing, can redirect users to malicious websites designed to steal information. Before scanning, check where the QR code came from and look carefully at the website it opens. Be particularly cautious if it asks you to download an app or enter sensitive information.
Fake Wi-Fi Networks
Free Wi-Fi at airports, cafés, hotels and tourist attractions can be incredibly convenient. It can also be risky when the network is fake or poorly secured. Kaspersky’s research in three major Mexican cities found that 17% of analysed free Wi-Fi networks had weak or no encryption.
How to avoid it: Confirm the network name with staff before connecting, avoid accessing sensitive accounts on unfamiliar networks, and consider using a VPN when you need public Wi-Fi.
The “Urgent” Payment Request
Scammers know that travellers are often in a hurry. A message saying your booking has been cancelled, your payment failed, or you need to confirm your reservation immediately can create panic. That urgency is the point. Take a moment before clicking anything. Check the booking directly through the official platform and never make payments through unusual methods simply because someone says you have to act quickly.
How Can Tourists Stay Safe From Travel Scams?
The simplest rule is to slow down when a digital request makes you rush. Check website addresses, use official apps, avoid suspicious links, and keep your devices updated. Kaspersky also recommends using strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication for travel and transport accounts.
A good holiday should leave you with photos, memories, and stories, not a compromised account or an unexpected bank charge. A little digital caution before and during your trip can help keep it that way.
