Travel
10 weird travel scams even the smartest person can fall for
In this new era of Artificial Intelligence and deep fake scams even the smartest and savviest traveller needs to stay alert.
By Alex Brooks
Travel scams are the oldest con in the book.
Being distracted, disoriented or jetlagged in an unfamiliar destination marks you — and the devices or booking platforms you use — as a target.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deep fake technology has made travel scams all-the-more deceptive, waiting to trick you at just the right moment into handing over your personal identity information or paying for accommodation, air tickets or a tour.
A common Booking.com scam escalated by 600% according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
Last year’s Qantas data breach of 5.7 million people’s personal details has also led to an explosion of creative phishing and impersonation scams, some of which are downright cunning.
Travel scam 1: The almost-real booking website
Popular booking websites, from Airbnb to Expedia are easily spoofed, impersonated and faked deliberately to steal your money.
Sometimes scammers get you to a fake site through a fraudulent ad or by maliciously having you install malware by clicking on a fake link.
The other common approach is to message you to say there’s been problems with your payment and then con you into giving your card details.
Oh, and beware of totally fake listings promoted through social media or third-party websites.
Try to: Keep track of any legitimate bookings with a reference number and always type in the correct booking website URL or use the app. Beware of fake listings on legitimate booking sites, too. Never pay outside the app or through bank transfers.
Travel scam 2: Deep faked AI photos of the ‘damage’ you did to your hotel
The booking platform scams have mushroomed into extorting guests with false claims that you ‘damaged property’ after you’ve completed your stay.
The scam involves your hotel or accommodation provider sending deep-faked photos of ‘damage’ you did with a bill for the charges after you’ve checked out.
Try to: Read the fine print of the terms and conditions of your booking platform. Contact your consumer affairs or fair trading department to get advice on your rights. Remember to take your own photos of your accommodation when you leave so you have evidence to ‘prove’ the way you left it.
Travel scam 3: ‘Helpful’ visa websites that charge 3x more
A semi-legal scam is thriving in plain sight: third-party websites that promise fast-tracked visas to popular destinations like Bali.
These sites don’t just overcharge; they also harvest personal data that can be used for identity theft. Some unlucky travellers end up with fake visas (or no visa at all).
They commonly pay for sponsored ads to earn your click if you search for holiday visas or fast-track visas.
Try to: Apply for your visa directly through the official government website of your destination. You can find trusted visa links at the country’s Australian embassy.
Travel scam 4: Don’t use social media to complain about travel-gone-wrong
We all hate being stuck on hold or navigating clunky booking systems — but think twice before venting your frustration on social media.
Once a fast-track to customer service, public complaints on platforms like Facebook or X are now a hunting ground for scammers to get you to click a link or make an upgrade payment.
Scam researcher Martina Dove did a deep dive into what happened when she complained on X about her flight being cancelled — she became a hot target for different scammers gaslighting her into sophisticated fake sites and email phishing
Try to: Keep complaints to official channels and use the telephone to complain (so much faster than waiting for chatbots, even if you do end up on hold).
Travel scam 5: Even your real airline can unwittingly be part of a scam
One man’s flight to Germany was cancelled. He did everything right and called the official airline customer service line and got through to a real person who then transferred him to “David” from a partner airline to help rebook the flight.
David worked for a professional scam compound and asked for $17,000 upfront, promising it would be refunded later.
The legitimate airline agent had unknowingly Googled the partner airline’s number — and clicked on a fake ad planted by scammers.
Try to: Never accept a phone transfer to another airline, even from legitimate staff. Ask to call back using the official number listed on the airline’s app or website, not one you find through a search engine or an ad.
Travel scam 6: Check your airline ticket terms and conditions
When flights are delayed or cancelled, one disruption can quickly snowball into a full-blown travel nightmare of missed connections, lost accommodation bookings, and extra out‑of‑pocket costs.
The Australian Government is set to introduce new airline passenger rights this year, including guaranteed refunds and an independent aviation ombudsman.
But consumer advocates are already warning the reforms don’t go far enough, particularly when it comes to compensating travellers for the real financial damage caused by delays and cancellations.
Try to: Always buy travel insurance and understand the terms and conditions of your ticket purchase.
Travel scam 7: Watch out as AI agents find the cheapest deal for you
AI agents are already beginning to act as personal digital shoppers, doing everything from researching travel options to making purchases — all based on your preferences, habits and budget.
More on this: Let AI plan your next trip (but don’t hand over your passport just yet)
Australia’s consumer watchdog has warned that scams, fake deals, and price manipulation could become harder to spot.
AI bots could also collude on pricing behind the scenes and hypernudge you into buying based on behavioural data unique to you.
Try to: Have a privacy-first mindset to protect your behavioural data. Verify and double-check everything!
Travel scam 8: Keep your device out of airport charging ports
Malicious public USB ports where you can charge your phone in public spaces can now trick your phone into granting access without your consent.
Known as ‘choice-jacking’, it lets scammers steal your photos, messages, passwords and more — all while your phone just looks like it’s charging.
Try to: Skip public charging ports. Pack a power bank or use a USB data blocker.
Read Citro’s guide to secure your smartphone for travel
Travel scam 9: Don’t let the kidnapping or threat scam in
Scammers may target your friends or family while you're away, claiming you’ve been arrested, injured, or kidnapped and then demand for money to help.
They can use your public social media posts or even AI-generated deepfakes (fake videos, photos or voice recordings) to make the story sound convincing.
Some will even hack your email or social accounts and impersonate you directly. Hideous!
Try to: Don’t announce your travel on social media. Have a ‘safe word’ between you and your family to avoid impersonation and threat scams.
Travel scam 10: Beware the fake police or inspector
Scammers have worked out that impersonating police officers to issue fake fines or request bribes works a treat.
In some European cities, they hang out on public transport pretending to issue fines for incorrect ticket payments.
Try to: Never hand over cash or your passport on the spot but offer to go to the nearest police station to sort it out.
Feature image: iStock/Vladimir Vladimirov
Tell us in the comments: Have you ever been scammed while travelling?
More tips for travellers: