Tourists Guard against Deception: Experts Offer Guidelines for Safety
Warning Issued Against Travel Scams Targeting Russians
During the summer holidays, a warning was issued by the regional branch of the People's Front in Khabarovsk, following a report by the "Khabarovsk Krai Today" news agency. The warning highlighted the increasing risks of scams targeting Russians during their vacations, particularly in the areas of booking websites, airline tickets, and rental accommodations.
Booking Websites and Airline Tickets
Many Russians use online aggregators, travel agency websites, or airline pages to buy tickets. However, about 50% of Russians do not consistently check the security of these services, making them vulnerable to fraudsters. These scammers create imitation sites or use phishing techniques to steal money and personal data. They offer tempting deals with fake or stolen credentials to book actual flights or accommodation through compromised accounts, often selling tickets at 30-70% below market rates. Victims often remain unaware their ticket was booked through stolen credit card data or hacked loyalty accounts.
Rental Accommodations
Professional criminal groups create fake rental listings on popular platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com by stealing real photos and details from genuine properties. Their goal is to divert travelers to pay outside the secure platform (e.g., direct bank transfer or PayPal) to avoid payment protections. Once the payment is made outside the legitimate site, the traveler loses money and may also risk identity theft because scammers often collect personal data alongside fraudulent payments.
Additional Scam Tactics
Upon arrival, some travelers experience the "Closed Hotel" or "Full Train" scam, where scammers pose as locals or guides informing tourists that their pre-booked hotel or transport is unavailable, pushing them towards alternative bookings that are more expensive or fake.
Staying Safe
To minimize risks, travelers are advised to verify URLs carefully, check reviews, and avoid off-platform payments. It is also recommended to directly confirm bookings to ensure their authenticity. By taking these precautions, vacationers can protect themselves against the increasing threats posed by scammers.
[1] Security Tips for Online Travel Bookings [2] How to Spot a Fake Travel Website [3] Rent Scams on the Rise: What You Need to Know [4] Airline Ticket Scams: How to Avoid Them [5] The "Closed Hotel" and "Full Train" Scams: What You Need to Know
- Considering the rise in travel scams, it's essential for Russians to take extra precautions when booking websites and airline tickets, as many of these services may not have adequate security measures in place.
- When renting accommodations, be cautious of fake listings on popular platforms that may ask for off-platform payments, since such transactions might put you at risk for identity theft and financial loss.
