With the busy new year booking season in full swing, McAfee is urging customers to exercise caution when booking independently.
Vonny Gamot, Head of EMEA at McAfee, said: “With Sunshine Saturday kicking of the start of peak holiday booking season, Brits are locking in their next escape but it’s important to strike a balance between the excitement of planning and the need for vigilance.”
“Cybercriminals are like digital pickpockets, using the lure of the upcoming holiday season to trick unsuspecting Brits with too-good-to-be-true deals. With the rise of AI, these scams have become more realistic and more common.
“We’re urging all holidaymakers to stay vigilant online and think twice before clicking on a link or sharing credit card details. By doing this, you’ll be protecting your privacy and identity, as well as your finances.”
Gamot recommends customers to double check they are on an official booking site by making sure the web address is a prefix ‘https’ and not just ‘http’. It often appears as a little padlock icon in the address bar of the browser.
“Also be wary of any text or email offering too-good-to-be-true holiday deals or ‘fast-track’ passport renewals.”
“If ever in doubt over the legitimacy of an email or link, don’t engage with it and go direct to the source. While dreaming about your next adventure, don’t let cybercriminals turn it into a nightmare.”
