Quick Tip: Beware of Fake Travel Websites

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The tech security group "BrandShield" says it's seeing a surge of scammers flooding the internet with fake travel websites trying to steal money from unsuspecting consumers. Scammers create lookalike websites with slightly altered URLs to trick people, so consumers need to be cautious when searching for travel deals online.

Why it matters

With summer and spring travel planning underway, consumers need to be on high alert for these types of scams that can lead to financial losses. Fake travel websites are an ongoing problem, as scammers try to take advantage of people's desire to find good deals.

The details

BrandShield's latest analysis uncovered thousands of suspicious links posing as legitimate travel brands. Scammers create these lookalike websites with slightly altered URLs to trick users. Consumers should look for the "https" and padlock icon to verify legitimacy, and be wary of sites with poor spelling and no customer support. Scammers also try to create a false sense of urgency with "last chance" deals to rush people into making purchases on their fraudulent sites.

• BrandShield recently conducted its latest analysis uncovering the surge in fake travel websites.