Booking.com has issued a warning about a dramatic increase in travel scams driven by artificial intelligence (AI). The company’s internet safety chief reported a staggering “500 to 900% increase” in these scams over the past 18 months, particularly highlighting the surge in phishing attacks.

The Role of AI in Travel Scams

Phishing, where victims are tricked into handing over their financial details through deceptive emails or links, has been around since the early days of email. However, the internet safety chief notes a significant uptick since generative AI tools like ChatGPT have emerged. “The attackers are definitely using AI to launch attacks that mimic emails far better than anything that they’ve done to date.” 

These sophisticated phishing attacks often involve sending fake but highly convincing booking links that appear to be from legitimate sites like Booking.com or Airbnb. Once the unsuspecting victim enters their payment information, the scammers disappear, leaving the victim without a place to stay or, worse, demanding additional payments through follow-up messages.

Traditionally, phishing scams have been relatively easy to spot due to telltale signs such as spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. However, the advent of AI has enabled scammers to create much more convincing fraudulent messages, making it increasingly difficult for even the savviest internet users to distinguish between real and fake communications.

How to Protect Yourself From Travel Scams

Booking.com has taken significant steps to combat this rising threat. They have invested heavily in new measures to protect customers and support partners, emphasising that the actual number of affected accommodations is a small fraction of those on their platform.

Here are some key tips to help you stay safe:

• Check Payment Policies: Always carefully review the payment policy details outlined on the property listing page and in your booking confirmation. This can help you verify the legitimacy of the payment request.
• Report Suspicious Messages: If you receive a message that seems suspicious, report it to Booking.com via their customer service team or the “report an issue” feature in the chat function. Booking.com provides clear guidance on how to avoid suspicious activity.
• Verify Links and Emails: Be cautious of any unsolicited messages asking for personal or payment information. Double-check the sender’s email address and the URL of any links before clicking.
• Use Secure Payment Methods: Whenever possible, use secure and traceable payment methods that offer protection against fraud.

As travel scams become more sophisticated with the aid of AI, it is crucial for travellers to remain vigilant. By staying informed and following safety best practices, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to these scams.

Booking.com remains committed to protecting its users and continuously improving its safety measures. If you ever have concerns about a payment message or suspect fraudulent activity, reach out to their customer service team for assistance. Travel should be an exciting and enriching experience, not filled with the stress of potential scams.