By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
Booking .com has raised concerns that artificial intelligence is fueling a significant rise in travel scams. Marnie Wilking, the firm's internet safety chief, reported a "500 to 900% increase" in such scams over the past 18 months, with a noticeable surge in phishing attacks since the advent of generative AI tools like ChatGPT.
Phishing, where individuals are deceived into divulging their financial information, has been exacerbated by AI, which creates more convincing emails than ever before. These scams often involve sending fake but highly realistic booking links, targeting platforms like Booking .com and Airbnb. Victims are left without accommodation or are further exploited through follow up scams after making payments.
While phishing has existed since the early days of email, Ms. Wilking emphasized that AI's ability to generate realistic images and accurate text in multiple languages makes these scams harder to spot. Speaking at the Collision technology conference in Toronto, she advocated for two factor authentication as a robust defense against phishing and credential theft. She also urged travelers to exercise increased caution when clicking on links.
Despite the negative impact of AI in facilitating scams, Ms. Wilking highlighted its role in helping Booking .com combat fraudulent activities. The company employs AI models to identify and remove fake listings swiftly, either preventing them from appearing on the site or taking them down before any bookings are made.
Consumer expert Jane Hawkes called on travel providers to enhance their efforts in educating the public about these scams and recommended that travelers conduct thorough research to avoid being deceived. She advised ensuring contact details, including phone numbers, are available on websites and suggested booking package holidays and using credit cards for added protection.