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How to keep your holiday plans safe from travel fraudsters
Weekend Argus on Saturday
|July 12, 2025
AS HOLIDAY plans begin to take shape for many across the globe, a dark cloud looms over the travel industry: a surge in holiday scams.
Globally, fraudsters pilfered over $1 trillion (R17.8 trillion) from unsuspecting victims in 2024, as revealed in a recent report by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (Gasa). Travel was cited as one of the hardest-hit sectors.
Analysis indicates that nearly $25 million will be lost to online travel fraud this year alone, potentially impacting one in five travel bookings.
This alarming trend isn't confined to the borders of specific countries - even South Africa is witnessing a sharp rise in travel-related scams.
Antoinette Turner, general manager at Flight Centre South Africa, stressed the seriousness of the situation.
"South Africa is witnessing a significant uptick in scams - from counterfeit accommodation listings to phishing emails impersonating major booking platforms. Criminals are leveraging advanced AI tools, making their tactics increasingly sophisticated. Travellers need to exercise heightened vigilance," she warned.
This story is from the July 12, 2025 edition of Weekend Argus on Saturday.
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