Travel scams are getting harder to spot. Here's how to stay safe
Scammers use fake websites and AI-generated messages to trick travelers into giving up money or personal information for flights and hotels. They steal real reservation details or send fake cancellation notices that look authentic.
How it works
You receive a text or email about a flight cancellation, price drop, or hotel confirmation that looks official. The message contains a link or asks you to verify your booking details. You click the link or reply with your credit card or passport information. The scammer keeps your money or identity information, or takes over your actual reservation.
Red flags to watch for
- Link in text or email asking you to confirm travel booking details
- Urgency to act immediately or reservation will be lost
- Sender email address or phone number does not match the airline or hotel's official contact
- Request for full credit card, passport, or payment information via link
- Offer to refund or rebook at a suspiciously low price
What to do
Do not click any link in travel-related texts or emails, even if they look real. Instead, hang up or ignore the message, then call your airline or hotel directly using the number on your confirmation email or their official website. Log into your account on the official website or app to check your actual reservation status. If you gave out personal information, contact your bank and credit card companies right away.
If this reached you
Source: WDIV ClickOnDetroit . Scam Sentinel summarizes this news report in plain language; it is a decision aid, not a guarantee.