Outlook Money
Online travel bookings make planning trips easier, but scammers also use fake websites, listings, messages and payment requests to target travellers and steal money or personal information.
Fraudsters may create websites that resemble genuine airline, hotel or travel platforms, collecting payments and personal details before disappearing without providing the promised booking.
Scammers can post attractive hotel rooms using copied photos and unusually low prices, then ask travellers to make payments directly instead of using the booking platform.
Travellers may receive messages claiming their booking needs confirmation, cancellation or payment. The link can lead to a fake website designed to collect sensitive details.
Fraudsters may pose as airline, hotel or travel company representatives and offer help with bookings or refunds, while asking for sensitive information or payment.
Scammers may contact travellers about cancelled flights, hotels or other bookings and promise refunds. They may then request banking details, OTPs or payments to process them.
A QR code shared for payment, check-in or verification can redirect travellers to a fraudulent website. Verify payment requests through official channels before transferring money.