Look Out! Booking.com Warns Of 900% Rise In AI-Driven Scams On Travel Websites

As summer approaches, travellers are eager to book their holidays. However, Booking.com's Chief Information Security Officer, Marnie Wilking, warns of a surge in AI-driven scams. She noted that the hospitality sector, previously less targeted, is now facing increased phishing attacks.

Wilking highlighted that phishing scams have risen dramatically across all industries in the past 18 months. "There's been anywhere from a 500 to a 900% increase in attacks," she mentioned at the Collision technology conference in Toronto. Phishing involves tricking victims into revealing sensitive information like login credentials or financial details.

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Travel websites are particularly attractive to scammers because they often require users to share credit card information and personal details. Wilking pointed out that the rise in phishing coincided with the launch of ChatGPT. "Attackers are using AI to create more convincing emails," she said. These tools enable scammers to work in multiple languages with proper grammar, making their attacks more believable.

To combat these threats, Wilking advises travellers and hosts to use two-factor authentication (2FA). This security measure requires an additional verification step beyond just a username and password. "It can be a bit inconvenient to set up," she acknowledged, but it remains "the best way to combat phishing and credential stealing."

She also urged caution when dealing with suspicious emails or links. "Don't click on anything that looks suspicious. If there's any doubt, contact the property or customer support," she advised.

To combat this, Booking.com and other major companies are increasingly relying on the same technology to counteract these scams. AI helps identify and block fake properties that scammers set up to deceive users. For instance, a fake listing might appear significantly cheaper than surrounding properties, raising suspicion.

"We've set up AI models to detect these fake properties and either block them initially or remove them before any bookings occur," Wilking explained. This proactive approach aims to protect users from falling victim to such scams.