Your Reservation Has Been Updated – Don’t Fall for This Travel Scam
29 Apr 2025Planning a holiday this year? Before you click on that booking confirmation in your inbox, pause and double-check it might be a trap.
With the dry season and travel plans heating up across Darwin and the NT, cybercriminals are cashing in on the excitement. Their latest trick? Convincing fake travel e-mails that look just like the real thing from airlines, hotels, and booking agencies. These scams are designed to steal personal data, drain bank accounts, and even infect your devices with malware.
Even tech-savvy travellers are falling for it.
How This Scam Works
1. You Get a Fake Booking E-mail
It looks legit from logos, formatting, even a “support” number.
The e-mail might claim to be from Qantas, Expedia, Marriott or Booking.com. Common subject lines include:
- “Your Trip to Cairns Has Been Confirmed – Click for Details”
- “Flight Change Notification – Action Required”
- “Hotel Reservation - Needs Final Confirmation”
2. You Click the Link
The link takes you to a fake website that mimics the real one. You’re asked to “log in,” update your payment info, or download your itinerary.
3. They Steal Your Information
Enter your login or credit card details, and it’s game over:
- Hackers can access your travel accounts and company payment info.
- Malware could be installed on your device.
- You could unintentionally give them a gateway into your business network.
Why This Scam Works So Well
- It Looks Real – Logos, layout, and wording match the real thing.
- It Feels Urgent – “Last chance” or “urgent update” language triggers a quick reaction.
- People Are Distracted – Especially if they’re working or prepping for a holiday.
- It’s a Business Risk Too – If your team books travel for work, this could impact your whole company.
A Real Threat to Your Business
Does your team book flights, hotels, or rental cars for work?
Even one scam e-mail clicked by an office manager, EA, or travel coordinator could:
- Expose your company credit card to fraud.
- Compromise corporate travel accounts.
- Introduce malware into your business network.
How to Stay Safe – Personally & Professionally
Never Click E-mail Booking Links
Go directly to the official website to verify any reservation or update.
Check the Sender’s Address
Scammers use lookalikes – like @qantas-airlines.com instead of @qantas.com.au.
Train Your Team
Educate staff on spotting travel-related phishing e-mails.
Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
Even if login info is stolen, MFA can prevent unauthorised access.
Use Strong E-mail Security
Ensure your business e-mail has filters to block fake links and malicious attachments.
Don’t Let A Fake Travel E-mail Ruin Your Holiday Or Your Business
Cybercriminals know the travel calendar and they know when you're least expecting a scam.
If your business handles travel bookings or expense processing, you're a prime target. But you don’t have to go it alone.
Book your FREE Cybersecurity Assessment today.
We’ll help uncover vulnerabilities, train your team, and set up the right defences so fake travel e-mails don’t become your real-life nightmare.
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