The Rise of Travel Scams in 2023: How AI is Fueling the Increase
As the Labor Day weekend approaches, experts are sounding the alarm on the surge of sophisticated travel scams, especially with the rise in AI technology. According to recent data, travel-related scams have skyrocketed by 44% compared to last year, with an overwhelming 69% of all scams being travel-related in 2023.
This spike in travel scams can be largely attributed to the use of artificial intelligence by scammers to create more convincing and elaborate schemes. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that victims have already lost a staggering $50 million to travel scams this year.
Paul Keener, a cybersecurity strategist with Guidepoint Security, warned travelers to be vigilant, especially during the holiday season. He highlighted the risk of having credit card information stolen at gas stations, emphasizing the importance of using secure payment methods like Apple Pay or RFID technology.
Keener also shed light on the escalating trend of AI-powered scams targeting unsuspecting travelers looking for last-minute deals. Scammers are using AI to create fake booking sites with fabricated reviews and enticing offers, tricking people into making deposits for non-existent accommodations.
To protect yourself from falling victim to travel scams, Keener advised booking through reputable agencies and using credit cards for reservations. In case of fraud, it’s crucial to report the incident to your bank and law enforcement immediately.
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