With the approach of summer and the end-of-year holidays, the demand for trips increases, along with the number of cyber scams. According to a survey by DataSenado, 24.1% of Brazilians fell victim to cybercrimes in the last 12 months, including frauds related to the tourism sector, such as fake travel packages and credit card cloning. São Paulo leads the states with the highest number of victims, followed by Mato Grosso and the Federal District. During peak times in the sector, these scams become even more frequent and sophisticated.
According to a study by Kaspersky, a cybersecurity company, the number of cyber attacks in Brazil increased by 381% in the first quarter of 2024. With Black Friday promotions, the tendency is for scam attempts to intensify in the coming weeks, due to the increased demand for travel packages and online reservations.
The lawyer and data protection specialist, Guilherme Guimarães, warns that tourism has become an attractive target for criminals due to the large amount of personal and financial data shared in the booking processes. "Consumers are more susceptible to scams during the holiday season, when the rush to secure a good deal can lead to impulsive and careless decisions. Fake websites, email offers, and social media ads have been the main methods used by scammers," he explains.
HOW DO SCAMS WORK?
Cyber attacks in the tourism sector mainly occur through fake websites that impersonate major hotel chains and travel agencies. Offers with prices well below the market average often attract victims who realize they have been deceived after making the payment. Another common scam involves sending fraudulent emails with links that direct users to malicious sites where their financial information is stolen.
Guilherme Guimarães advises that the best way to protect yourself is by taking preventive measures, such as:
- Verify the authenticity of websites: Make sure you are using an official platform by checking the URL address and looking for reviews from other consumers.
- Be wary of very low prices: Excessive discounts may be an indication of a scam.
- Using secure payment methods: Prefer credit cards and opt for two-factor authentication systems whenever possible.
- Not clicking on suspicious links: Avoid accessing offers sent via email or social networks without verifying their source.
According to Guimarães, awareness of these risks and the adoption of safe practices are essential to avoid fraud during trip planning. "With the increase in digital purchases and reservations, consumers need to double their attention to ensure that their vacations do not turn into a financial nightmare," he emphasizes.
The specialist also warns that with the increasing digitization of tourism, preventing cyber scams has become a priority for both consumers and companies in the sector.
