Artificial Intelligence (AI) is to blame for the 900% increase in travel scams over in the past 18 months. According to Booking.com, scammers are using AI tools, like ChatGPT, to trick people into handing over their financial information.
Using AI to mimic legitimate travel companies, such as Booking.com and Airbnb, scammers are sending convincing emails that include “booking” links. That link directs the person to a malicious, but legitimate looking website, where the person can enter their payment to “book” their trip. Once the person pays, the scammers vanish, leaving that person with no place to stay. The scammers may even send follow-up messages to try and get more money.
In the past, scammers have sent Booking.com customers phishing emails stating the customer was charged twice for their transaction. Believed to be receiving a refund from Booking.com, customers downloaded an application to their device which allowed the scammers to access the customer’s online banking account and transfer funds.
If you receive communication from a vendor you use, verify that the email, text, or phone call is legitimate by contacting the vendor directly using the phone number or email address listed on their official website.
If you are a Merrimack customer and are concerned your personal or financial information was compromised, please call us directly at 603.225.2793.