Planning a holiday should be an exciting process. But, given the increasing impact of digital scams on Aussie wallets, travel plans can quickly turn into a financial nightmare. It’s worth thinking about how to stay safe when planning your next vacation. After all, a little vigilance means less stress and more time to chill by the pool.
1. Watch out for fake booking websites
Scam sites are more convincing than ever, which means it’s essential to check that the website you are using to book flights, accommodation and tours is legitimate. “Fake websites often look close to the real thing,” explains Dr Shumi Akhtar, an associate professor at the University of Sydney Business School. So close, in fact, that it can come down to just one letter. “An example could be a URL that reads ‘bookinng.com’ instead of ‘booking.com’,” she says. This subtle difference makes fake websites easy to miss.
From a technical standpoint, there are two things to watch out for. “Be cautious if there’s no padlock symbol or ‘https’ at the start of a web address,” says Akhtar. You can also use free online tools like Google Safe Browsing or ScamAdvisor to check if a website is trustworthy.
2. Ensure emails are legitimate
Fake websites are often shared via dubious emails, which can also be very convincing. Scammers frequently use real logos in an attempt to trick you into clicking links that take you straight to fraudulent websites. Thankfully, there are ways to check first whether an email is legitimate.
“With emails, check who it’s really from,” says Akhtar. “If the sender’s address doesn’t match the company, it’s probably a scam.” Also look for poor spelling or strange formatting and double-check the fine print, where addresses and phone numbers may be fake. You can search these details on Google to check whether they match the authentic ones. When in doubt, don’t click on a link or download a file—always remember to use the Stop, Check and Reject approach.
3. Check deals directly with the source
If a great travel deal lands in your inbox and you’re unsure if it’s legitimate or not, Akhtar recommends heading straight to your browser to search for the company’s official website. “If a deal is advertised, it should be discoverable via the website, too.”
When an email says the deal is for email subscribers only and is not listed on the website, make sure you check directly with the organisation. Call the company on the number listed on their official website to make sure the deal came from them.
4. Question offers that seem to good to be true
Finding the best travel deal is smart money management but don’t let your search for savings lead you down a scammer’s path. While saving a few dollars is great, if the price of a tour, accommodation or flight is far lower than the average, it could be a scam.
According to Scamwatch, the Australian Government’s anti-scam website, if there is pressure for you to act quickly to secure a deal, that’s a major red flag¹. While time-sensitive deals do exist, it’s wise to pause and determine if the offer is real. Excessively tight time limits or limited access to a deal should be questioned.
“Too good to be true” travel deals can also involve tours and accommodation that don’t exist. To verify whether that palatial Italian villa is authentic, Akhtar suggests conducting your own online investigation. “Check pictures by doing a reverse image search online to see if they’re stolen from somewhere else,” she says. You can also find out whether the tour, hotel or holiday home is listed on a booking site you’re familiar with and check for reviews on well-known websites like TripAdvisor and Google.
5. Be cautious with payments
If any travel site asks you to pay in an unusual way, such as with bitcoin or gift cards, both Scamwatch and Akhtar recommend walking away. “Never use gift cards to pay,” she says. In fact, it may be wise to let a deal pass by and stick with reputable booking sites and companies you’re familiar with. “A little caution when booking can stop a scam before it starts.”
Once you’re ready to book your travel, CommBank’s NameCheck tool will let you know if the account details on a first-time payment don’t look right, which helps you ensure you pay the right person. For optimal security, notify the bank that you’re travelling overseas before you leave.
Then, once you’re ready to head off on your holiday, consider using the CommBank Travel Money Card. It offers emergency card replacement if your card is lost or stolen and free Purchase Security Insurance². Because the only surprises on your holiday should be the good kind, not the kind that drains your bank account before you’ve even taken a selfie.