How to keep your holiday plans safe from travel fraudsters

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.

- ZAMANDOSI CELE

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.