Don't let the holiday excitement turn into a nightmare! Here are the methods most frequently used by cyber scammers

With the start of the summer holiday season, while the intensity in the tourism sector has increased, reservation transactions carried out through digital platforms have also become targets for cybercriminals. While it is stated that accommodation, transportation, visa procedures, and public internet networks are among the most exploited areas, experts emphasize that citizens should be more careful about digital security.

Emre Erol, an IT expert working at VBT Yazılım, evaluated the cyber threats that may be encountered during travel planning and the security methods that can be applied against these threats.

MOST FREQUENTLY ENCOUNTERED CYBER THREATS

According to expert assessment, during the summer months, cybercriminals resort to different fraud methods by using users' holiday excitement and their search for affordable prices.

UNSECURE AND FAKE WI-FI NETWORKS

It was stated that password-free internet networks offered in common areas such as airports, bus terminals, stations, and cafes carry significant risks. It was expressed that through fake access points set up by cyber attackers, users' personal and financial data can be seized, and attacks known as "Man-in-the-Middle" can be carried out using this method.

FAKE RESERVATION SITES

It was reported that users are defrauded through fake websites created by exactly copying popular airline companies, travel agencies, and reservation platforms.

It was stated that users directed by search engine ads or email links make fake reservations and often realize the fraud during check-in on the day of travel.

FAKE VACATION RENTAL LISTINGS

It was stated that scammers, turning the increase in demand for summer rentals into an opportunity, publish listings with fake photos and addresses that do not exist in reality.

In some cases, it was noted that the same property is rented to more than one person for the same dates and citizens who make payments become victims.

DISCOUNTED HOLIDAY PACKAGES PURCHASED WITH STOLEN CARDS

It was stated that heavily discounted flight tickets and hotel campaigns offered via social media and email may have been purchased with stolen credit cards or compromised loyalty points.

It was reported that these reservations, which appear valid at first, can be canceled by the system when irregularities are detected.

FAKE FREE HOLIDAY CAMPAIGNS

It was reported that messages containing "you have won a free holiday" are sent through raffles that were never entered, and fraud is committed by requesting payment under the name of tax or registration fees to benefit from the campaign.

It was stated that fake websites operating with the promise of facilitating official procedures such as passports, visas, and international driving licenses demand high fees for services that public institutions offer at low costs, and in some cases, issue fake documents.

It was stated that low-priced special flight packages offered with accommodation services are also among the fraud methods. It was reported that after collection, the scammers erase their tracks from the digital environment.

DIGITAL SECURITY WARNINGS FROM EXPERTS

Emre Erol also shared the basic security rules that should be applied before and during travel.

It was recommended to examine independent user reviews and complaint platforms about the hotel or travel agency before making a reservation.

CHECK THE INTERNET ADDRESS

It was stated that spelling errors in the URL structure of websites, different domain extensions, and the SSL certificate should be checked carefully.

USE OFFICIAL ADDRESSES

It was recommended to manually type the official internet addresses of service providers into the browser instead of links in emails, SMS, or social media ads.

It was recommended to use a reliable VPN service when it is necessary to connect to public internet networks.

In addition, it was stated that mobile banking transactions should not be performed over connections whose security is not certain.

It was stated that USB charging stations in common areas carry the risk of data theft and malware infection, known as "Juice Jacking".

For this reason, it was noted that users should prefer their personal adapters and portable chargers.

SECURE PAYMENT METHODS SHOULD BE PREFERRED

It was recommended to use payment systems that provide chargeback assurance, such as credit cards, instead of cryptocurrency transfers, direct bank transfers, gift cards, or non-refundable payment methods.

It was also stated that it should be checked whether the companies to be booked are included in official license and insurance systems.