Scammers are on the hunt this Easter holidays

Whether you’re planning a relaxing getaway, a road trip, or just a long weekend to unwind this Easter holidays, the extra time off is a great opportunity to recharge but don’t let your guard down.  

While you’re searching for the perfect stay, scammers are searching for their next victim.

Longer holiday periods see a surge in accommodation scams, as cyber criminals prey on travellers looking for last-minute deals. From fake rental listings to AI-generated images of dream properties, these scams can leave you out of pocket and without a place to stay.

Here’s how to book smart.

Fake Holiday Rentals

Scammers are taking advantage of cheap and fast Generative AI tools, using AI-generated images and fake reviews to create listings that seem too good to pass up. These fraudulent listings appear on social media, classified websites, and even legitimate platforms—but they often disappear as soon as the scammer collects a deposit.

Red Flags:

• Too good to be true: A luxury beachfront villa at half the usual price? Be suspicious.

• Unverified reviews: If all the reviews are vague or from brand new accounts, it could be a fake listing.

• No address or limited details: A real rental should have a verifiable location and contact details.

The ‘Pay Outside the Platform’ Scam

One of the biggest red flags is when a host asks for payment outside the booking platform. If you're asked to transfer money via bank transfer, PayID, or cryptocurrency, be cautious. These payment methods offer no buyer protection—once your money is gone, it’s nearly impossible to get back.

How to Stay Safe:

• Always book your holiday through trusted accommodation platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, or hotel websites.

• Use secure payment methods within the app—never transfer money directly.

• If a host pressures you to pay outside the platform, walk away.

• Don't pay or book through unsolicited emails advertising as they might be a phish!

AI-Generated Listings: The New Scam Tactic

With GenAI, scammers can now create realistic but fake property images complete with sunset views, perfect interiors, and even ‘hosts’ that don’t exist. These fabricated listings often look incredibly professional but have one thing in common: they don’t exist in real life.

Spot the Scam:

• Run an image reverse search to see if the pictures appear elsewhere.

• Check the property address—if it's missing or doesn’t show up on maps, it’s a red flag.

• Compare pricing—if it's far cheaper than similar listings, it’s likely a scam or at least warrants a closer look.

Stay One Step Ahead of Holiday Scams

Long weekends and holiday periods are prime times for cybercriminals, but a little vigilance goes a long way. Always research before you book, verify listings, and keep payments secure.

For more tips including out of office guide and how to navigate QR code scams and more on staying scam-free this Easter

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