The Rising Threat of AI Travel Scams for New Yorkers

Thousands of New Yorkers will travel this holiday season however, the joy of travel and adventure is coupled with a stark warning from Booking.com about the alarming rise in AI-powered travel scams this year.

New Yorkers, along with travelers across the US, are increasingly falling victim to some incredibly sophisticated schemes orchestrated by fraudsters wielding artificial intelligence. In 2023 alone, travel scam victims in the US suffered losses totaling $265,000, with an alarming 24% losing $1,000 or more in a single scam.

With searches for "last minute holiday deals" surging by 250% in recent months, the holiday season becomes a breeding ground for deceptive practices enabled by AI. The experts at AIPRM have compiled a comprehensive list of the top AI-driven threats that travelers, especially those in New York State, should remain on high alert about this Christmas season.

Sleigh the Scammers: Travel Scams to Watch Out For This Christmas Holiday

1. Fake Airline and Hotel Booking Websites: AI has empowered scammers to create deceptive websites that pose as legitimate booking platforms, enticing travelers with irresistible offers. These fraudulent sites capitalize on urgency and too-good-to-be-true deals, tricking unsuspecting individuals into divulging personal and financial information. Stay safe by scrutinizing URLs, checking for spelling errors, and verifying offers through official channels before sharing your details.

2. AI Chatbots Offering Fake Travel Deals: Be cautious of AI-powered chatbots posing as customer service representatives offering massive discounts on travel packages. Avoid sharing sensitive information or making payments through unfamiliar channels. Take the time to verify deals and use official customer service contacts to confirm the legitimacy of any travel offers.

3. Phishing Emails and Text Messages: Scammers are utilizing AI to craft convincing phishing emails and texts designed to deceive recipients into divulging personal information. Never click on suspicious links or provide confidential details in response to unsolicited messages. Always double-check sender information and refrain from rushing to take action in response to urgent requests.

4. AI-Generated Holiday Reviews: The proliferation of fake AI-generated reviews poses a significant challenge for travelers seeking authentic feedback. Cross-examine reviews from multiple sources, including independent platforms and social media, to ensure credibility. Be wary of excessively positive reviews posted in quick succession, as they may be artificially generated to deceive consumers.

5. Fake Travel Itineraries and AI-Generated Images: Scammers leverage AI to create deceptive travel itineraries and images to lure travelers with too-good-to-be-true offers. Look out for subtle inconsistencies and verify the authenticity of offers that appear overly attractive. Scrutinize details and images for any irregularities that may indicate fraudulent activity.

Get our free mobile app

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a scam, prioritize safeguarding your personal information by immediately contacting your bank to secure your accounts.