During this time, millions of people plan trips and book accommodations, creating the perfect scenario for fraudsters to exploit common vulnerabilities.
Technology has transformed the daily lives of millions of people, facilitating numerous processes that previously required time and travel. Among these, travel planning is one of the biggest beneficiaries: today, it takes just a few clicks to book flights, accommodation or excursions, without having to visit a travel agency in person. However, this convenience has also opened the door to new forms of digital fraud, which cybercriminals are quick to exploit.
During the holiday seasons — especially in June, July and August — this type of fraud tends to increase. This is no coincidence. During these months, millions of users plan getaways, buy tickets and search for the best deals online, creating the ideal scenario for scammers to strike. The excitement and urgency to make reservations quickly cause many to let their guard down and fail to verify the legitimacy of the platforms they use.
Cybercriminals know this and exploit the so-called ‘emotional factor,’ appealing to the desire to save money on holidays. Fake promotions with irresistible discounts, limited-time offers or supposed exclusives are some of the tactics used to capture victims’ attention. Haste clouds critical judgement and, in a matter of minutes, you can fall into the trap.
In this context, international media outlets such as Computer Hoy have warned about a recent trend that has gained momentum over the summer. According to their report, scammers are now using artificial intelligence to impersonate agencies, airlines and hotels, creating websites and communications that are almost identical to the originals, making it even more difficult to detect the fraud.Most read1. New law for schools in Colombia: no more early mornings and a new subject proposed2. Leader of “Los Pepes” sends letter to President Gustavo Petro, taking the opportunity to mention Isabel Zuleta3. The appliance you should never unplug because it could double your energy consumptionby TaboolaSponsored linksTiede ja TeknologiaAre Japanese knives the thing that will ultimately prove to be the turning point for your dinner parties?
One of the most commonly used strategies is to direct the victim to a fake website when they try to cancel a booking. From there, they are given a seemingly legitimate contact number. When the person calls, they are answered by a supposed agent who, using manipulative techniques and pressure, asks them to do things such as install malicious apps or send photos of their ID.
With this simple action, criminals can take control of the device, access bank accounts and make unauthorised charges, leaving the victim without funds in a matter of minutes.
If you fall victim to this type of fraud, experts recommend acting quickly: immediately turn off the compromised device and contact your bank to block access and prevent further losses.
Although many of these alerts come from international organisations, cybercrime knows no borders. Anyone, regardless of age or nationality, can be targeted by these attacks. It is therefore essential to stay informed, always verify the authenticity of websites and exercise caution when faced with offers that seem too good to be true.
