McAfee Research Uncovers How Scammers Target Travelers — And How to Stay Safe
Planning a vacation is an exciting endeavor, but it can also expose travelers to increasingly sophisticated scams. According to McAfee’s 2025 Safer Summer Travel Report, one in five Americans has fallen victim to a travel scam while booking a trip. These scams not only disrupt travel plans but also result in significant financial losses, with nearly a quarter (23%) of victims losing money. Among those affected, 13% lost over $500, and 5% lost more than $1,000. The report highlights how scammers are leveraging advanced tactics, from fake websites to AI-manipulated travel photos, to exploit travelers who are eager to save money or book last-minute deals.
The Growing Threat of Travel Scams
As Americans tighten their budgets to afford summer getaways, cybercriminals are capitalizing on the increased demand for affordable travel options. The report reveals that 58% of Americans are cutting back on personal spending to fund their vacations. For instance, 38% are skipping meals out, 44% are avoiding entertainment expenses, and 25% are delaying home upgrades. This financial strain often pushes travelers to prioritize cost-saving measures, making them more susceptible to scams.
Scammers prey on this vulnerability by offering deals that seem too good to pass up, such as deeply discounted flights, hotel stays, or rental properties. However, these offers often lead to fraudulent websites, fake payment portals, or nonexistent accommodations. Alarmingly, 65% of Americans say they research travel scams before booking, yet many still fall victim to deceptive tactics like malicious confirmation links, misleading listings, and manipulated images.
Younger travelers, in particular, are at higher risk. The report found that 21% of 18–24-year-olds have clicked on fake confirmation links, and 10% of 25–34-year-olds have been misled by AI-altered travel photos—the highest rates among all age groups. Men are also more likely than women to lose money to travel scams (29% vs. 18%), underscoring the need for heightened awareness across demographics.
Scammers’ Sophisticated Tactics
The rise of technology has given scammers new tools to deceive travelers. Fake booking confirmations, phishing emails, and AI-generated visuals are just a few examples of how fraudsters are blending in with legitimate offerings. For instance:
- 1 in 10 Americans has clicked on a scam confirmation link after receiving a fraudulent email or text message.
- Nearly 1 in 10 (8%) has entered payment details on a fake website, unknowingly handing over sensitive information to criminals.
- 5% have encountered manipulated images of travel destinations, lured by visually appealing but entirely fake listings.
- 4% have been tricked into booking accommodations or trips that don’t exist, resulting in wasted time and money.
These tactics are particularly prevalent around major events, such as sporting tournaments, where the urgency to secure tickets, lodging, or airfare increases the likelihood of falling for scams. Nearly 60% of travelers planning to attend such events expressed concern about encountering fake ticket sales or other forms of online fraud.
Tips to Stay Safe While Booking and Traveling
To protect yourself from travel scams, McAfee recommends adopting a few simple precautions before and during your trip.
Before You Travel:
- Watch for Scams: Be wary of phishing emails, text messages, and suspicious travel deals. Avoid clicking on unknown links or sharing personal information unless you’re certain of the sender’s legitimacy.
- Verify Rental Listings: Conduct a reverse image search to identify fake property photos. Scammers often use real images or AI-generated visuals to create convincing but fraudulent listings. Always read reviews and book through trusted platforms.
- Use McAfee’s Scam Detector: This tool helps identify risky links, detect fraud across devices, and allow manual checks on suspicious messages. It’s an effective way to verify the authenticity of communications before taking action.
While On Vacation:
- Verify Identities: Scammers may pose as hotel staff, tour guides, or transportation providers. Double-check their credentials before sharing personal information or valuables.
- Secure Your Online Activity: Public Wi-Fi networks can expose your data to hackers. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to browse safely and keep your connection private.
- Carry a Backup Charger: A portable battery pack ensures your phone stays powered, reducing reliance on public charging stations where “juice jacking” (malware-infected chargers) could compromise your device.
- Be Cautious with QR Codes: Fake QR codes can redirect you to scam websites. Use security software that flags suspicious links before you access them.
- Think Before You Post: Sharing your location in real-time can attract scammers or even burglars. Wait until you return home to post updates about your trip.
A Call to Stay Vigilant
“As Americans plan their summer getaways, cybercriminals are planning too, using increasingly sophisticated tactics to exploit travelers,” said Abhishek Karnik, Head of Threat Research for McAfee. “With a significant number of people surveyed falling victim to travel scams, it’s clear that staying vigilant is more important than ever. Scams are becoming harder to spot, from fake booking confirmations to AI-manipulated photos. Taking just a few extra seconds to verify a deal or website can be the difference between a great trip and a costly mistake.”
The McAfee report serves as a timely reminder that while the allure of discounted travel deals is strong, so is the risk of falling prey to scams. By staying informed, verifying sources, and adopting proactive security measures, travelers can safeguard their finances and enjoy a stress-free vacation. After all, the goal of any trip is to create lasting memories—not become another statistic in the growing wave of travel-related fraud.
Research Methodology
A McAfee survey, which focused on the topic of travel scams and the impact of these scams on consumers, was conducted online in February 2025. 7,000+ adults in the US, UK, France, Germany, India, Japan, and Australia, age 18+, participated in the study.
About McAfee
McAfee Corp. is a global leader in online protection for consumers. Focused on safeguarding people in an always-online world, McAfee’s solutions adapt to user needs, empowering individuals and families with secure, intuitive tools. For more information, visit www.mcafee.com.
