Scammers are quick to hop on trends to make their schemes more convincing – it's an easy way to increase their chances of success, making them relatable and appealing.
Here, we share three scams that you are likely to come across if you're planning to travel in the coming weeks.
1. Customer service impersonation accounts
The Guardian first reported on a series of fake accounts appearing on social media platforms that use accurate airline logos and branding to appear very convincing. It found impersonations of Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways.
Which? has also previously warned about scammers operating fake customer service accounts on social media. These scam typically play out after a customer messages the genuine social media account for help and information. The scam account then intercepts your message and asks you to send your details via a direct message.
The scammer will usually ask you to provide your phone number so they can call you to coax you into sharing card details under the guise of receiving a refund. In some cases, you’ll be sent a link to a money transfer app in order to get a refund, only to have money taken out of your account.
It's challenging to detect this scam as the conversation starts on the genuine customer service channel and is then hijacked by the scammer.
Top tip:2. Fake holidays
Fraudsters sometimes create desirable, but entirely fictitious, accommodation listings by stealing legitimate images from genuine holiday listings or using Artificial Intelligence to generate convincing fake images.
Scammers typically peddle these scams with ease by using social media and search engine adverts to direct you to scam websites, which phish for your details and ultimately steal your money.
Top tip:3. Travel insurance scams
Fake insurance companies have been found to crop up using scam websites and social media pages.
Top tip:How to report a scam
To report a profile on Facebook, Instagram or X, select the three dots on the right and click 'report'.
On Google, you can report suspicious ads by selecting the three dots on the right and pressing ‘report.’
If you've lost money or spot an unauthorised transaction on your account, you should contact your bank immediately using the number found on the back of your card.
undefinedsource https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/three-scams-to-watch-out-for-over-the-easter-travel-period-a2We57A93LAG