This seasonality of attacks shows how reactive and opportunistic these groups are. They adapt their techniques according to consumer habits. The Toussaint holidays represent a risky period, with many French people booking their stay online.
The strength of these new scams lies in their credibility. By using hacked legitimate host accounts, scammers have access to real bookings. They can then contact travelers with specific information about their stay, making their approach much more convincing than a simple spam. It is this personalized targeting that makes these scams particularly formidable. Caught in the trap and feeling confident, you really think your payment has failed and you follow the given instructions that lead you straight into the hands of the scammers. Unknowingly, you give hackers access to your bank account.
ESET has issued a list of recommendations, which we advise you to follow to avoid ruining your Toussaint holidays. Before filling out a form related to your reservation, make sure you have not left the official website or app of the platform. Being redirected to an external URL to finalize your reservation or make a payment is a sign of a potential scam.
Be cautious even if you are contacted by an accommodation provider, as their account may be compromised. If in doubt, contact the official customer support of the platform (Booking.com, Airbnb) directly or report a security issue through their official channels.
In addition to following the recommendations provided by ESET, here are some extra tips to help you avoid falling victim to scams while booking your Toussaint holidays online:
1. Double-check the website or app: Before entering any personal or payment information, always make sure that you are on the official website or app of the booking platform. Scammers often create fake websites that look very similar to the real ones, so it’s essential to pay attention to the URL.
2. Use secure payment methods: When making a payment for your reservation, opt for secure payment methods such as credit cards or payment platforms like PayPal. Avoid making direct bank transfers or using unfamiliar payment services.
3. Verify the contact information: If you receive an email or message from a host or booking platform asking for sensitive information, take the time to verify the contact details. Look up the official customer support number or email address and reach out to them to confirm the legitimacy of the request.
By staying vigilant and following these additional tips, you can protect yourself from falling victim to scams while booking your Toussaint holidays online. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to safeguarding your personal and financial information.