20 August How is AI changing tourism scams?
According to experts from World Travel Protection, this is a big turn: AI is no longer only used for attacks on computer systems but also for direct manipulation of people. Passengers are most vulnerable when they are stressed – during flight delays, missed connections, or a lack of information.
The most common methods include:
- Deepfake calls and messages Realistic video and audio messages imitating the voices of colleagues, bosses or customer support agents.
- Fake websites „clones“ of well-known airlines, hotels, or car rental brands that look convincing but are used for data theft.
- Scam agencies – fake agents asking for communication to be moved to unknown platforms or for payment methods to be urgently changed.
Real-life examples of AI scams
- Fake customer support numbersGoogle AI Overviews recently displayed fake contact numbers – one traveller ended up being charged an unauthorised $768.
- Explosion of phishing links: Kaspersky blocked over 142 million phishing links, which is an increase of 3.3% compared to the previous period.
- Dark web travel agenciesScammers on the dark web are offering „bargain deals“ using stolen data, causing tens of billions of dollars in damage annually.
Why are business travellers more vulnerable?
Business travellers often make decisions under pressure and don't have time to scrutinise every message in detail. AI scams target precisely these situations, using:
- sense of urgency (flight change, urgent booking),
- authority (message from „superior“),
- Fear of loss (cancellation of reservation or card blocking).
The result is a loss of money, data theft, and even serious reputational problems for companies.
How to protect yourself?
Advice for companies and travel managers:
- Use official TMC tools and prohibit bookings through unverified channels.
- Organise Employee education examples of AI scams.
- Distribute up-to-date contact lists and security protocols via applications or cards.
- Recognise „red flags“: requests for payment to new accounts, repeated data requests, communication being shifted to unknown platforms.
Travel tips:
- Check the page's URL and logo before entering data.
- Do not use support numbers found via AI tools without checking them on the official website.
- Reject payment requests in cryptocurrency or to unknown accounts.
- If something is „outside the norm“, stop the process and consult the travel manager or IT department.
AI scams in business travel postaju sve sofisticiranije i rasprostranjenije. Lažne web stranice, deepfake pozivi i phishing linkovi predstavljaju realnu prijetnju svakom putniku i svakoj kompaniji. Ključ zaštite je u education, safe procedures and risk awareness.
Sources
- TechRadar AI-powered phishing attacks are on the rise and getting smarter (July 2025)
- Business Travel News – The Rise of AI-Powered Travel Attacks (August 2025)
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