Fraudsters are brazenly cashing in on tourists: beware of fake Airbnb and Booking.com sites

With the development of technology, fraudulent schemes are becoming more sophisticated. Popular travel booking sites such as Airbnb and Booking.com have been targeted by criminals.

Experts warn that fraudsters are stepping up their efforts to lure money from vacationers through fake deals, cancellations, and convincing clones of well-known sites. This is stated in the material of Сhroniclelive.

Fake accommodation offers

Tourists are warned that criminals are creating convincing fake websites, hacking legitimate accounts, and posting fraudulent ads on social media in an attempt to steal your cash. In the worst case scenario, you may find that the accommodation you booked is unavailable or even didn't exist at all.

Scams can include offers of large discounts (up to 30%) on accommodation, and you are asked to make an advance payment via money transfer. You should be wary of offers of large discounts allegedly from the owners of the accommodation, who ask you to pay them directly by bank transfer. Also, beware if you are asked to make a bank transfer or use a transfer service such as MoneyGram or Western Union, as this is likely to be a scam. To be on the safe side, check for reviews: if the company is unfamiliar, search online for reviews and testimonials, and check the company's contact information: is there an address and a working phone number?

Cloning vacation rental websites

Fraudsters can duplicate well-known websites like Airbnb or Booking.com sometimes down to the smallest detail. They can then use them to steal your money or collect your personal information or payment details. As soon as you provide your card details to buy a vacation, fraudsters will have your money and personal information.

To protect yourself, always check the official address of the booking website. Do not click on links in emails or text messages: if in doubt, go directly to the website by entering the website address yourself.

Faking a cancellation refund

Scammers often try to deceive tourists who make a flight or hotel reservation. Fraudulent emails look like they are from a travel company. The emails may invite you to claim a refund, but contain a link to a fake website that is used to steal your personal and financial information.

Fake calls from "refund agents" are also used to request your bank details. Criminals may also use fake customer service accounts on social media. Attackers can create fake social media accounts by imitating the accounts of real companies.

Fake gifts

If you suddenly receive an email, text message, or WhatsApp message offering a deal or gift that you can't miss, be very careful - it could be a scam. The exact form of this type of scam can vary greatly, as scammers tailor their messages to specific brands, holidays, or events. Be wary of any unsolicited contact: even if it looks genuine and uses the correct brand, it is likely a scam.