However, as much as Black Friday offers exciting discounts and the promise of a dream vacation for less, it’s also a time when online scams peak. Shoppers rush to secure deals, and cybercriminals rush to take advantage. Here’s why you should be cautious when hunting for Black Friday travel deals this year.
The Allure of Black Friday Travel Deals
Black Friday is a consumer phenomenon that has now expanded worldwide, with people eagerly awaiting deals not only in stores but also online. For travelers, Black Friday can mean serious discounts on flights, accommodations, and car rentals. Sites like Expedia, Booking.com, and even airline websites often advertise special Black Friday deals, promising slashed prices on flights and accommodations. As the holiday season approaches, it’s tempting to book a ticket to see family or plan a warm-weather escape.Beyond flights, many travel-related services participate in the Black Friday frenzy, from luggage companies to outdoor adventure packages. And with the ability to shop for these deals from the comfort of home, many people feel the urge to grab a deal before it disappears.
Why You Should Be Careful
The desire to get the best deal can often lead people to make rushed decisions; a tendency scammers exploit ruthlessly during Black Friday. Here are some of the most common scams targeting Black Friday travel shoppers—and how you can stay safe.1. Fake Travel Deals and Phishing Websites
One of the most common Black Friday scams involves fake (travel) websites. Scammers create sites that look identical to legitimate booking platforms, often using URLs that are similar to popular sites, such as “Travell0city.com” instead of “Travelocity.com.” They lure shoppers in with deals that seem too good to be true, and once you enter your credit card information, it’s gone. Worse, you’ll never see a flight ticket or a hotel confirmation.
Phishing emails also spike around Black Friday, as reported by ExpressVPN, where scammers send messages claiming to offer exclusive travel deals or “limited-time offers,” enticing shoppers to click on links that lead to malicious sites. Once there, these sites can steal personal information and payment details or install malware on your device. According to a 2021 report from the Federal Trade Commission, holiday-related phishing scams caused a significant increase in cyber fraud during Black Friday. See the FTC report here.
2. “Pay Now, Book Later” Scams
With the increase in demand for travel around the holidays, many online booking sites encourage shoppers to pay upfront for travel they can book later. While this seems reasonable, scammers have begun using this tactic to steal money from unsuspecting shoppers. They create websites that mimic real booking platforms, accept upfront payments, and then disappear, leaving you without a booking or a refund. Always check for secure payment options and read reviews on third-party sites like Trustpilot before entering any financial information.
3. Fake Gift Card Offers
Gift cards are a popular item during Black Friday, and some retailers or travel companies offer them as an incentive. Unfortunately, scammers often use fake gift card offers to trick shoppers into handing over money for something that doesn’t exist. Be wary of any unsolicited emails or social media posts advertising travel gift cards at deep discounts. When in doubt, always purchase gift cards directly from a retailer’s website or a verified third-party vendor.
4. Social Media Travel Giveaways
While legitimate travel companies do hold giveaways, especially during the holiday season, scammers use fake social media accounts to create bogus contests. These scams often promise free flights, vacation packages, or gift cards in exchange for your personal information or a small “processing fee.” Before entering any online contest, double-check that it’s from an official, verified account, and avoid giving out personal information unless you’re confident in the source’s authenticity.
Protect Yourself During Black Friday Travel Shopping
While the promise of a discounted holiday is tempting, remember that if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Here are a few quick tips to keep yourself safe:Use Secure Sites: Look for “https://” and a lock icon in the address bar when entering payment details. Avoid sites that seem sketchy or unfamiliar, especially if they’re offering unbelievable discounts.
Verify the Seller: If you’re booking through a new site, do a quick search to verify it’s legitimate. Look for reviews and any mention of potential scams before purchasing.
Stay Cautious with Emails: Don’t click on links in unsolicited emails or texts. Go directly to a retailer’s website by typing the URL yourself to avoid phishing schemes.
Keep Your Devices Secure: Make sure your computer and mobile devices have updated antivirus software to protect against malware that scammers use to steal information.
A Final Note: Enjoy Black Friday, But Stay Vigilant
Black Friday can be an exciting time to book those dream vacations or buy plane tickets to see family, but staying vigilant is essential. Cybercriminals are waiting to capitalize on any rushed decisions or overlooked security precautions, so take a few moments to double-check deals, verify websites, and stay safe.Being cautious doesn’t mean avoiding Black Friday deals altogether, especially if you’ve opted for an unusual travel experience this holiday season, like visiting some not-that-explored European places. By practicing a bit of digital mindfulness, you can enjoy your holiday season travels without the risk of falling for a scam.
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