01/30/2024 | Press release | Archived content
Wherever the money is, scammers will follow.
Unfortunately, for many vacationers in the Northern Hemisphere, that can mean unwanted travel partners.
Over this summer's travel season, Visa predicts that AI scams will be hotter than ever.¹ But that doesn't mean you have to count yourself a victim. Keep yourself cool this summer with these four security tips.
Visa's fraud experts predict that phishing campaigns related to summer holiday travel and special events will increase over the next several months.¹ These scams can use lure in unsuspecting victims with special offers like travel or accommodation deals to encourage targets to visit fake websites, making their devices and data vulnerable to scammers. To avoid getting phished:
Set up two-factor authentication on your accounts and devices, which can help monitor for red flag activity.
When you pay with Visa, your purchase is protected by Visa's Zero Liability policy, which ensures you are not responsible for unauthorized transactions made on your Visa card.² Paying with other methods, including wire transfers or peer-to-peer payments, does not necessarily grant the same level of protection. To avoid paying for your scammers vacay:
In fake rental property scams, criminals create fake accommodation listings on legitimate travel booking websites. These "hosts" will then offer accommodations for a low price. Excited victims then pay for what sure looks like a deal, either through a legitimate booking platform or outside of it (which should be a red flag on its own). When the victim arrives? The property either doesn't exist or is not what they were promised. What's worse is that large events like festivals and sporting events are common targets, leaving would-be attendees without a place to stay. To stay safe:
Some scammers stick to old-school methods. While tourists are distracted by the sights, sounds and smells of vacation, pickpockets look for purses and wallets to steal physical cards and cash. To avoid sticky fingers:
Summer is supposed to be a time of rest and relaxation. To keep it that way, stay safe, secure and aware during your travels - so scammers don't have a payday from your vacation.