As you prepare to jet off for a well-deserved vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is falling victim to a cyber scam. However, as technology advances, so do the tactics of scammers. Currently, several travel-related scams are gaining traction, targeting innocent holiday-goers. At 4Walls, we’re committed to helping you stay safe and secure online, which is why we’re bringing these scams to light and providing solutions to mitigate the risks.
Beware of Fake Customer Support on Social Media
One increasingly prevalent scam is fake customer support on social media platforms, especially Twitter. The problem has worsened since Twitter started charging for verification badges, as many legitimate accounts now lack visible authentication.
When unexpected situations like flight cancellations occur, most passengers’ first instinct is to jump on social media for updates and assistance. Opportunistic fraudsters create fake airline support accounts to exploit these moments, directing victims to sham airline websites to steal credentials and payment information. There are currently over a hundred Twitter accounts using the easyJet branding, with only a fraction verified as authentic.
Watch Out for Phony Travel Agents and Non-existent Tickets
Meanwhile, other scammers masquerade as travel agents, offering seemingly unbeatable deals on flights. They lure victims with impressive websites and incredible offers, only to sell non-existent tickets. Once you’ve paid, you’ll only discover the fraud when trying to check-in online or at the airport.
These fraudsters typically reserve a seat instead of booking a ticket, using your payment details for their fraudulent activities. If you find a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Check the legitimacy of the website and any reviews carefully before making any payment.
Safeguard Your Personal Information
In the age of oversharing on social media, it’s essential to remember that every bit of information you share can be exploited by scammers. Something as innocuous as a photograph of your boarding pass can provide them with a wealth of information, such as your name, frequent flyer number, and passport information. With this data, they can impersonate you, access your accounts, sell your frequent flyer miles, or even launch targeted phishing attacks.
Staying Safe with 4Walls
To combat these evolving threats, we at 4Walls offer several services that can significantly bolster your cybersecurity.
- Our Cyber Security Assessments can help identify vulnerabilities in your systems, allowing you to address them proactively.
- Cyber Security Awareness Training can help you understand the risks, identify potential scams, and learn best practices for safeguarding your data.
- Board Cyber Event Simulations provide a realistic environment to test and improve your response to a cyber-attack.
- Cyber Governance Principles Training ensures that you are well-equipped to navigate the complex world of cyber regulations and standards.
Key concepts to keep in mind:
- Always verify the legitimacy of an account or website before giving out any personal information or making payments.
- Regularly review and update your security settings on all platforms.
- Always be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
- Be mindful of the information you share on social media. A small detail might lead to a big problem.
- Regularly check your financial and travel accounts for any irregularities.
With these measures in place, you can make your flight plans without worrying about falling prey to scams. Happy and safe travels!
