Over half of Indian online travel bookers encounter cyber fraud incidents.
Taking Off, But Watch Out For Those Online Travel Scams!
📈️ With tourism on the rise post-pandemic, it seems like a golden opportunity to grab some cheap holiday deals, right? Well, beware! The same waters host a bunch of sharks lurking in the guise of enticing travel offers. A recent report shows that more than half of Indian travelers have fallen prey to these online scams. Ouch!
According to McAfee Corp's 'Safer Holidays' Travel report, 51% of Indian respondents have been tricked while booking their travel online, with a whopping 77% losing up to $1,000 before their trip even took off. Yikes!
The report surveyed 7,000 people across seven countries, including 1,010 Indians.
🔎pio: Switching tracks, did you know that the Safer Holidays Travel report also pointed out the multitude of ways these scams can happen? For instance, a staggering 27% of Indian victims fell for scams when making payments on suspicious websites, while another 36% unfortunately had their identity stolen during online bookings. Yikes again!
The report further reveals that 13% of the affected group inadvertently provided their passport details and 23% shared other personally identifiable information without realizing it—all on a fake site!
So, what makes us more vulnerable while on vacation? The report states that activities like connecting to Wi-Fi networks, using free USB charging ports, or logging out of digital accounts following accommodation check-out could put you at risk.
🔒 How safe do we actually feel online while on vacation? Despite being aware of these risks, most people still don't take adequate precautions. Shocking, right? Only 61% utilize services to monitor the safety of their online identity, and 33% ignore using a VPN.
The report also sheds light on the fact that digital threats outweigh physical ones. 59% of Indians expressed increased concern about identity theft compared to pickpocketing. Interestingly, 94% of respondents voiced some level of anxiety about identity compromise during travel.
However, despite the potential dangers, let's face it—life's all about living, right? And who doesn't love a good chat with friends and family while on vacation (70% of us, to be exact)? But beware! Social media (69%), online banking (52%), and money transfers via cash apps (41%) are also popular vacation activities—all of which could increase your vulnerability if you're not careful.
🚔 Despite the risks, 31% of respondents admitted to being less vigilant about security while on vacation. Remember, just because you're on holiday doesn't mean the bad guys take a break too! So, how can we stay safe in this digital jungle?
- Know Your Source: Only book travel from reliable websites or travel agencies. Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true.
- Secure Connections: Make sure the website you use for booking travel has a secure connection (HTTPS). Remember, this is especially important when using public Wi-Fi networks.
- Phishing Emails: Watch out for phishing emails asking for personal or financial information. Legitimate companies won't ask for such details via email.
- Keep An Eye on Reviews: Check multiple sources of reviews to ensure the travel service or accommodation is legit.
- Protection Against Fraud: Use credit cards or services like PayPal, which offer some level of protection against fraudulent transactions.
- Update Your Software: Make sure your devices and browsers are updated with the latest security patches to protect against cyber threats.
- Use VPNs: When using public Wi-Fi, consider using a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your data.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious activities.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can give those online scammers a run for their money and enjoy a safe vacation!
- Be cautious when booking travel online, as 51% of Indian respondents in the McAfee Corp's 'Safer Holidays' Travel report fell victim to scams while doing so.
- While traveling, maintain vigilance about your cybersecurity as activities such as using public Wi-Fi networks, logging out of digital accounts, and engaging in online banking or money transfers on cash apps may potentially increase your vulnerability.
