Cybercrime Southeast Europe Newsletter No. 110

Cyber Scams Increasingly Target Tourists – Beware of Messages About Reservations and Payments

Dear Clients,

During the peak travel season, cybersecurity experts are warning of an increased risk of online scams targeting tourists and people booking accommodation, flights, and other travel-related services.

During 2025, nearly 270,000 attempted cyberattacks impersonating well-known travel-related brands were detected, while the actual number of such attempts worldwide is believed to be significantly higher.

A particularly dangerous form of fraud occurs when scammers obtain information about a genuine trip, such as the reservation date, destination, accommodation, flight, or other service that the traveller has actually booked. They can then use these details to send highly convincing messages that appear to continue legitimate communication with a hotel, travel agency, or booking platform.

Victims may be asked to urgently confirm their reservation, provide payment card details again, or make an additional payment through a link included in the message.

One of the main warning signs is a request for urgent action. If you receive a message stating that your reservation will be cancelled unless you make a payment or confirm your details within a short period of time, do not use the link provided in the message. Instead, independently access the official website or application through which you made the reservation or contact the hotel, agency, or service provider directly.

If you have already entered your card details or made a payment through a suspicious link, contact your bank immediately to block the card and report the incident to the competent police authorities.

Importantly, the fact that a message contains accurate information about your trip does not necessarily mean that it comes from a legitimate sender. Using genuine reservation details is precisely what can make these scams particularly convincing.

We will continue to monitor current forms of online fraud and keep you informed of information that may help protect your personal data and financial assets.

Your DefendMe Team