Travel Scams
Travel Scams
What Are Travel Scams?
Travel scams are deceptive schemes that trick tourists or trip-planners into paying for fake, sub-standard, or misrepresented travel services, think non-existent accommodation, bogus airline tickets, “official” visa sites that aren’t, overpriced tours, meter-rigged taxis, and payment traps like Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). With international tourism rebounding—1.4 billion trips in 2024 and +5% more arrivals in Q1 202,5 fraudsters are targeting that surge.
In Australia, the National Anti-Scam Centre reported A$2.03 billion in combined scam losses across categories in 2024. Travel is a recurring vector: authorities flagged spikes in fake accommodation and airline impersonation targeting travellers. For example, Booking.com-related scam reports jumped in 2023 (363 reports; >$337k in losses), and the FTC warned in 2024 about scammers posing as airline support on social media to hijack bookings and payments.
Where (and how) travel scams hit
1) While you’re booking
- Fake accommodation listings on legit platforms (or via cloned sites) push you to pay off-platform, then vanish. Watch for new profiles, odd review patterns, or requests for bank transfer/crypto.
- Bogus airline sites/agents sell “discount” tickets or charge junk “rebooking” fees. Verify you’re on the airline’s real domain and consider using IATA-accredited agents.
- Visa/entry-fee imposters mimic government sites; you pay and receive nothing valid. Smartraveller has dedicated advice on visa scams.
2) In transit (airports, train stations, taxis)
- Airline customer-service imposters DM you after delays/cancellations, asking for booking details and payment then send you to a spoofed checkout. Only use contact links inside the airline’s app/website.
- Taxi & transfer hustles: “Meter broken,” detours to shops, or switch-and-bait fares. Book official airport taxis or pre-arranged transfers.
3) At your destination (hotels, ATMs, tours)
- DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion): Terminals ask “Pay in AUD/USD?” Always choose local currency DCC adds hidden markups.
- ATM skimming & fake Wi-Fi portals: Prefer ATMs inside banks; avoid entering card details on public/unknown Wi-Fi; use your hotel’s secured network or a hotspot.
- Timeshare/vacation-club pressure and resale “we already have a buyer” pitches that demand upfront fees. The FTC has active alerts on these.
Most Common Travel Scams in 2025
1. Fake Accommodation Listings
Scammers create fake Airbnb or Booking.com pages using stolen images. Victims arrive to find no reservation or no property at all.
How to avoid: Only book through verified platforms, double-check reviews, and contact hosts via official channels.
2. Cheap Flight or Package Deal Scams
Scammers advertise ultra-low airfares or luxury packages through unofficial websites or social media. Victims pay upfront, but receive nothing.
How to avoid: Be cautious of deals that look too good to be true. Book through trusted travel agents or airlines.
3. Airport Taxi Scams
Unlicensed drivers overcharge, take longer routes, or claim your hotel is closed to redirect you to a partner business.
How to avoid: Use ride-share apps or airport-approved taxis. Research typical fares before you land.
4. Pickpocketing & Bag Distraction Tricks
Classic but effective. Common near tourist spots, ATMs, and metro stations. One person distracts you while another grabs your valuables.
How to avoid: Use crossbody bags, avoid showing cash, and be extra alert in crowds.
5. Wi-Fi Honeypots
Public Wi-Fi networks named after local venues can be traps to steal your data or credentials.
How to avoid: Never access sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi. Use a VPN.
6. Fake Tour Operators or Attraction Tickets
You book a local tour online, pay in advance, but the company vanishes. Or you’re sold invalid entry tickets.
How to avoid: Only book tours from trusted vendors and tourist centres.
7. Credit Card Skimming at ATMs or Terminals
Hidden devices steal your card info, often paired with a nearby camera to capture your PIN.
How to avoid: Use ATMs inside banks. Cover your PIN, and check machines for tampering.
8. “Free” Welcome Gifts That Cost You Later
Someone gives you a bracelet, a flower, or a massage, then demands payment.
How to avoid: Decline unsolicited gifts. Be assertive and walk away.
Case Study : Fake Bali Villa Scam
An Australian woman paid over $4,000 for a Bali villa via an Instagram travel page. When she arrived, the villa didn’t exist. She had to rebook last minute and lost all funds.
Scam recovery was difficult due to the payment being made in crypto and to a foreign account.
How to Spot a Travel Scam Before It Happens
- Prices are significantly lower than competitors
- Pressure to book immediately
- Requests for payment via crypto or wire transfer
- Poor English or vague communication
- No traceable contact details or physical address
- Reviews that feel copy-pasted or too generic
If something feels off, trust your gut.
How CypherGuard Helps If You’ve Been Scammed While Traveling
If you’ve been defrauded while booking travel, CypherGuard can:
- Use cyber intelligence to trace crypto payments or booking trail
- Analyse scam websites and IPs
- Provide evidence for banks or chargeback requests
- Help alert authorities or tourism boards
We move quickly, especially when the scam is recent.
Safe Booking & Travel Tips
- Always book flights, hotels, and tours through trusted platforms
- Enable 2FA and use strong passwords for travel booking apps
- Don’t trust random social media travel pages
- Avoid making payments via crypto or gift cards for travel services
- Double-check addresses and business names via Google or official websites
- Keep digital copies of all receipts and confirmations
- Register your travel plans with SmartTraveller (AU) or STEP (US)
Travel should be exciting, not stressful. But in 2025, scams are becoming more sophisticated and personalised.
Whether you’re booking your trip or already abroad, stay alert, verify everything, and if you fall victim, act quickly.
CypherGuard is here to support you through scam tracking, evidence collection, and potential fund recovery. Don’t let a scam ruin your holiday.
FAQ
Q: Is it safe to book accommodation through Instagram or Facebook?
A: Not unless it links to a verified booking platform. Avoid direct payments.
Q: Can you recover money from a travel scam?
A: Yes, but only if you act fast. CypherGuard can help gather evidence for disputes.
Q: Are crypto-based booking services trustworthy?
A: Be extra cautious. Scammers prefer crypto for its untraceability.
Q: What should I do immediately after a travel scam?
A: Contact your bank, report it to Scamwatch or the FTC, and reach out to CypherGuard.