Learn how to spot fake emails and scams regarding hotel reservation confirmations this holiday season.
In this week’s scam, you receive a confirmation email for a hotel reservation. The email states that you need to confirm your reservation within 24 hours to avoid cancellation. It provides a link for you to select so that you can confirm your booking. If you’re traveling this holiday season, you may think the email is related to your travel plans.
However, this is actually a phishing scam! If you select the link in the email, you’ll be taken to a fake confirmation webpage that was created by cybercriminals. The confirmation page instructs you to enter your credit card number to secure your hotel reservation. But cybercriminals can steal any information that you enter here. Instead of booking your hotel, you’ll be giving your payment details directly to scammers!
Tips to Stay Safe
Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to this phishing scam:
- Scammers often create a sense of urgency to trick you into acting quickly. Remember, always think before you take action!
- Legitimate travel sites won’t ask you to confirm your booking with your payment information. Your payment details are usually collected when you book your travel plans, and not afterwards through confirmation emails.
- Verify your booking confirmation directly on the official website or mobile app, rather than selecting links in an email you received.
Stop. Look. Think. And don’t be fooled.
Tips of the Week Brought to You By Our Partners at KnowBe4
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