May 12, 2025
Planning a vacation this year? Ensure your confirmation email is legitimate BEFORE clicking on 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 potentially infect devices with malware.
Even tech-savvy travelers 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 come from well-known travel companies like Expedia, Delta, or Marriott.
Hackers often use official logos, proper formatting, and even "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 enter your login information 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 process fraudulent transactions.
- If the link contains malware, your device (and everything on it) could be compromised.
Why This Scam Is So Effective
- It Looks Legit: These phishing emails closely mimic authentic confirmation emails, including logos, formatting, and familiar-looking links.
- It Plays On Urgency: Seeing a "reservation issue" or "flight change" can trigger panic, prompting quick action without careful consideration.
- People Are Distracted: Whether in the middle of 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.
If you or your team travels for work, this scam poses an even greater threat. Many businesses have one person managing all reservations, including flights, hotels, rental cars, and conference bookings.
Given the volume of confirmation emails received, a fraudulent one can easily slip through. 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 rather than clicking on email links.
- 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 - Educate employees to recognize phishing scams, especially those responsible for 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 security measures to block malicious links and attachments.
Don't Let A Fake Travel Email Cost You Business
Cybercriminals know when and how to strike, and travel season is peak time.
If you or anyone on your team books work-related travel, manages reservations, or oversees expense reports, you are a target.
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 (918) 770-9150 to schedule your FREE
15-Minute Discovery Call today!
