As we spend much of our lives now online, it has become natural for us to share sensitive and personal information.
According to the INCIBE (Spanish National Institute of Cybersecurity), cybercrime over the last three years has increased by 1,200% from 18,000 to 120,000 incidents. One of the industries that is heavily targeted with cyber-attacks includes the tourism industry.
Below are some important tips on ways to keep your information and yourself safe and how to avoid becoming the next victim of holiday scams this summer.
Top Tips
The legitimate websites for holiday rental will feature:
1. Ample security measures on the site. Make sure the site is “https” secure.
2. A physical address and phone number, and not only a chatbot communication option and an email.
3. The company must be reputable with an online reputation that is positive.
4. Payment methods that are secure that use only reputable or accredited online-payment methods.
5. The properties are verified as real and they are on offer through an authorised agent or owner.
6. A review system online that only permits “real guests” to post their reviews.
The Red Flags
You need to be really cautious when booking your accommodation when:
1. The price seems “too good to be true” or there is urgency in making the booking immediately.
2. The site is still new.
3. The site does not feature a “https” security level.
4. You are unable to communicate with company employees, and your only form of communication is via email.
5. There is no physical address for the business provided.
6. The agent or owner wants to confirm the booking, communicate or take your payment through email instead of using a secured-communication platform.
7. The payment for the booking is requested through Western Union or Bank Transfer.
This current rental scam list gives you an idea of the gravity of the situation with these fake property rental sites that have been duping holidaymakers out of thousands of euros.
Avoiding holiday rental scams needs some background checks and a little bit of time to see if there are any suspicious signs that the site is not legitimate. Some of these scam sites fool many people looking for rentals for their vacation and the scammers rely on a combination of incredible prices, quality images, and official logos to win over their victims.
A friend of mine who repairs laptops in Hove, in the area I grew up, was the victim of a holiday rental scam too so it goes to show that even savvy people can get fooled also.
Have you ever seen one of these scam sites on your travels online?
Leave a comment below and share your experience if you have.
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