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Fraudsters enjoy increased activities during tourist seasons, according to VTB.

Over the May holiday season, VTB issues a warning about a surge in fraud incidents involving the purchase of tourist vouchers or counterfeit airline tickets. These scammers employ tactical phishing strategies and fabricate airline and ticket marketplace websites, offering enticing deals.

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Over the May holidays, VTB issues a warning about an expected surge in fraudulent activities linked...
Over the May holidays, VTB issues a warning about an expected surge in fraudulent activities linked to the purchase of tourist vouchers or counterfeit airline tickets. These scammers employ tactical phishing methods and establish deceptive airline and ticket trading websites, advertising enticing offers.

Fraudsters enjoy increased activities during tourist seasons, according to VTB.

May 6, 9:30 AM**Stay Alert During the May Holidays: Avert Travel Scams with These Tips**Alexandra Marunina

As the May holidays loom, beware of the seasonal surge in travel scams! Fraudsters capitalize on the hustle and bustle of holiday planning by fabricating bogus airline websites and ticket marketplaces, promising too-good-to-be-true offers.

With many Russians eagerly anticipating their summer getaways, savvy scammers seize the opportunity to create replicas of well-known airlines and ticket vendors. They advertise these fakes online, advertising exceptionally low prices on airfare and tours. Intrigued travelers click on these links, inputting their personal info and banking details to complete the transaction. However, those deceitful scammers pocket the money and, at the airport, the victims discover their tickets are invalid.

Here are warning signs you should watch out for:

  1. Astonishingly low prices for airline tickets or travel vouchers.
  2. Questionable sources, like emails, messages, or ads from non-verified sources.
  3. Urgency tactics, as scammers often push for a quick decision to create a sense of urgency, using techniques such as "last-minute" deals or "limited-time offers."

VTB warns against falling for these cons, advising users to double-check links before making purchases. Dmitry Revyakin, Vice President of VTB and Head of the Corporate Interests Protection Department in the Security Department, explains the prevalence of holiday season-related fraud: "While such scams have been an ongoing issue, they become more 'ripe' for scammers as the tourist season kicks off. These scammers offer Russian travelers airline tickets, accommodation, or tours at discounted rates, purportedly representing the carriers. Nevertheless, victims only learn of the scam at the airport when they discover their tickets are invalid."

Tips to Protect Yourself:

  • Identify Fake Websites: Prevent clicking on suspicious links offering extreme deals; take the time to authenticate the website URL by visiting the official airline or credible travel agency site directly[1].
  • Avoid Sending Verification Codes: Fraudsters may attempt to swipe six-digit codes received via SMS under the guise of accessing accounts or verifying identity. Never release such codes, as they can be misused to hijack government or travel account login credentials[1].
  • Book Through Official Channels: Purchase tickets exclusively from official airline websites or legitimate, trustworthy travel agencies. Avoid third-party merchants on social media or unfamiliar platforms, which serve as breeding grounds for scams[1][3].
  • Guard Against Phishing: Misleading emails or calls impersonating airlines or travel agencies may employ AI-generated voices, or highly personalized messages, intended to snare victims. Refrain from sharing sensitive data over unsolicited calls, and verify any booking particulars independently, contacting official airline customer service phone numbers[3].
  • Opt for Secure Payment Methods: Pay with credit cards or secure digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal) that offer fraud protection. Shun wire transfers or prepaid gift cards, which are scammers' preferred choice of payment[3].
  • Question Deals That Appear Too Good to Be True: Suspiciously low ticket prices or relentless sales tactics are red flags. Suss out the authenticity of your tickets thoroughly to avoid being disappointed, as victims note their tickets are invalid only at the airport[1][5].
  • Verify Social Media Offers: Promotions on platforms, like Instagram or TikTok, might lead to phishing sites. Investigate deals through official airline or travel firm websites, instead of blindly relying on social media posts[3].
  • Immediately Address Compromised Accounts: If you suspect that your travel or government accounts (such as Gosuslugi) have been infiltrated, contact official support or law enforcement promptly. Do not heed to messages or phone calls from unknown parties claiming to assist with account recovery[1].

Adhering to these safety measures will help decrease the chances of falling prey to holiday travel scams during the bustling May holidays in Russia. Happy, scam-free travels!

This guidance springs from recent cautionary warnings issued by IT experts concerning the rise in fraudulent schemes involving fake airline websites, phishing, and deceptive payment methods during the May holidays in Russia[1][3].

  1. The surge in travel scams during the May holidays is not only limited to airline tickets, but also extends to business deals in technology and finance, as scammers create replicas of well-known companies to offer supposedly advantageous but invalid deals.
  2. To avoid falling victim to these scams, ensuring transactions are completed through official channels is crucial. While booking travel, it's equally essential to do so through legitimate, trusted technology and finance firms when investing in any business opportunities.

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