How to Avoid Dark Web Travel Scams This Holiday Season
The holiday season is approaching, and many people will be traveling to visit family and friends or simply enjoy the holidays. When making travel plans, it is important to be aware of a growing threat: dark web travel scams.
Cybercriminals are setting up fake travel agencies that sell discounted flights, hotels, and vacation packages. The fraudsters book travel using stolen credit card information or compromised frequent flyer accounts, then resell it to unsuspecting consumers.
This form of fraud is known as “triangulation fraud,” in which cybercriminals use stolen payment data to buy products from legitimate companies and resell them to consumers. In this case, the scammers use professionally designed websites or encrypted messaging platforms to advertise cheap, “no-questions-asked” travel deals. The customer pays the fraudulent agency using standard methods, such as e-transfer, or less traceable methods such as cryptocurrency.
The scammer uses stolen credit card data, hacked loyalty accounts, or compromised corporate travel portals to book the trip on legitimate airline or hotel sites. The booking is often made under the customer’s real name. The customer receives a legitimate-looking confirmation, often just hours before the travel date to avoid detection. The customer may be able to successfully check in, not knowing the transaction was fraudulent.
If the airline or hotel discovers the fraud, the booking will be canceled, potentially leaving the traveler stranded with no refund. Some scam victims report that their own credit card information was skimmed during the transaction, leading to unauthorized charges later on. The fraudsters may also steal frequent flyer miles or hotel points from unsuspecting loyalty program members, then use or resell them.
Unknowingly using services purchased with stolen credentials can lead to legal issues. Although you are a victim of a crime, you were still the end-user of a product purchased via illicit means.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, watch for these common red flags:
“Too-good-to-be-true” pricing. The old saying, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” applies here. Discounts of 50 percent or more, especially on luxury travel, are a major warning sign.
Unfamiliar booking websites. Check the URL of the booking site carefully for subtle misspellings and verify the company’s legitimacy. Scammers are now using AI to create convincing fake sites rapidly.
Non-standard payment methods. Be suspicious if the site does not accept regular credit cards. Legitimate companies do not request payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
Pressure to book immediately. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to prevent you from researching the offer. Take your time and do your due diligence before booking travel.
Communications via messaging apps. The absence of a standard booking engine, requiring you to communicate through an encrypted messaging app such as Telegram, is a significant red flag.