Planning a vacation this year? Before you click on any “booking confirmation” emails, think twice. Cybercriminals are taking advantage of the busy travel season by sending fraudulent travel emails that look exactly like they’re from trusted brands—airlines, hotels, and travel agencies.

These scams don’t just threaten your personal finances—they can also compromise your business if even one employee falls for them.

 

What Is a Fake Travel Email Scam?

Cybercriminals send fake emails that appear to come from major travel companies like Delta, Expedia, or Marriott. These emails are often designed with:

  • Official-looking logos
  • Correct formatting
  • Urgent subject lines
  • Fake customer service numbers

Examples of subject lines include:

  • “Your Trip to Miami Has Been Confirmed”
  • “Your Flight Itinerary Has Changed”
  • “Action Required: Confirm Your Hotel Stay”
  • “Final Step: Complete Your Rental Car Reservation”

The goal is to get you to click.

 

What Happens When You Click?

Once you click the link in the email, you're taken to a fake website that asks you to log in, update payment details, or download an itinerary. Here's what happens next:

  • Credential theft: Hackers steal your login details for real accounts.
  • Financial fraud: Entering payment info can lead to stolen funds.
  • Device compromise: Clicking infected links could install malware on your computer or mobile device.

 

Why These Scams Work

These phishing scams are highly effective because:

  • They look legitimate – The branding and messaging are nearly identical to real companies.
  • They create urgency – Phrases like “last chance to confirm” pressure users to act without thinking.
  • People are distracted – Whether you're at work or planning your getaway, you're more likely to click quickly and check later.

 

Why This Is a Business Risk, Not Just a Personal One

If your team handles business travel—flights, hotels, conference bookings—they’re especially vulnerable. A single mistake could:

  • Expose company credit card data
  • Compromise shared travel accounts
  • Introduce malware into your company’s network

For Texas businesses with lean teams, one slip-up by an executive assistant or travel coordinator can have serious financial and operational consequences.

 

How to Protect Your Business from Phishing Travel Scams

Here’s how Texas business owners can stay safe:

  1. Verify Before Clicking - Always visit airline or hotel websites directly. Avoid clicking links in emails you didn’t expect.
  2. Check the Sender’s Email Address - Scammers use near-matches (e.g., @deltacom.com instead of @delta.com) to trick you.
  3. Train Your Team - Especially those handling reservations. Teach employees how to identify phishing scams.
  4. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) - Even if a password is stolen, MFA adds a second layer of protection.
  5. Harden Email Security - Use email security software to filter out malicious attachments and links.

 

Don’t Let a Fake Email Disrupt Your Business

Cybercriminals know when and how to strike, and the summer travel season is a prime opportunity.

If your team books business travel or handles company expense reports, you're a target. Let’s make sure your company isn’t the next headline.

Start with a free Cybersecurity Risk Assessment. We’ll identify weaknesses in your systems, improve your email defenses, and help your team avoid costly phishing attacks.