Swindlers thrive during the peak tourist season
Cautious Travelers, Be Aware: Scammers Strike During Russian Holidays
As the May holidays are upon us, be wary of phishing scams offering tourist vouchers or cheap airline tickets, warns VTB. These fraudsters create fake airline and ticket marketplace websites, baiting you with tempting deals.
In the excitement of planning trips, unwary Russians fall prey to these scams. Scammers, savvy at exploiting tourist seasons, create fake websites of popular airlines and ticket providers. They promote these sites online with promises of reduced prices on airline tickets and tours. Trusting travelers click the links, input personal data, and bank card information to confirm their orders. Fraudsters receive the payment and might even send a purported confirmation, only to reveal later that the tickets are invalid. Victims typically discover the deception at the airport.
Spotting the telltale signs:
- Low prices on air tickets or tourist vouchers that seem too good to be true.
- Links from unofficial sources, such as emails or messages from messengers.
- A sense of urgency in their offers, using tactics like "last-minute deals" or "limited-time offers" to pressure hasty decisions.
Unfortunately, these types of scams are not a new phenomenon. Fraudsters have been luring Russians into purchasing fake travel packages for several years, especially during tourist seasons. They claim to be representatives of the carrier, offering discounted airline tickets, hotels, or tours. However, victims learn of the scam only when they find out their tickets don't exist at the airport.
To steer clear of such scams, double-check the URLs, advised Dmitry Revyakin, vice president of VTB and head of the corporate interest protection department in the security department.
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For your protection:
- Red flags to watch out for:
- Offers that seem too good to be true.
- Fake websites with URL variations or poor design.
- Phishing attempts utilizing unsolicited emails or text messages with malicious links.
- Unverified payment methods, such as requests for wire transfers, prepaid gift cards, or cryptocurrency payments.
- Preventive measures:
- Verify links before clicking to ensure the URLs match the company’s official domain.
- Use trustworthy platforms, preferably accredited agencies or booking directly from the airline's official website.
- Opt for secure payment methods like credit cards or digital wallets.
- Be wary of any urgent actions or demands for immediate personal data updates via email.
- Post-booking checks:
- Confirm reservations directly with the airline or hotel using their verified phone numbers.
- Monitor bank statements closely after the purchase for suspicious charges.
- Report any instances of fraud to your bank and local authorities.
For social media promotions:
- Always verify giveaways through the company's official website, not via TikTok or Instagram links.
- Be cautious during Russian holidays as scammers often prey on travelers, offering tempting deals such as cheap airline tickets or tourist vouchers.
- Scammers create fake websites of popular airlines and ticket providers to lure unsuspecting tourists, exploiting the excitement around travel seasons.
- Signs of potential scams include suspiciously low prices, links from unofficial sources, and a sense of urgency in their offers.
- Such scams have resulted in victims discovering invalid tickets at airports, losing money in personal-finance and travel expenses.
- To avoid falling victim, double-check URLs, use reliable platforms, prefer secure payment methods, and verify reservations with the airline or hotel.
- General-news and crime-and-justice outlets often report on these scams, reminding travelers to stay vigilant and informed while planning their vacations and personal-finance transactions.
