Travel scams are on the rise. Here's how to beat them

Scams are becoming ever more sophisticated, especially online. Take care when planning your trip to avoid travel rip-offs.

Travel scams are on the rise. Here's how to beat them

By Carrie Hutchinson

Updated April 1, 2025, first published June 15, 2023

Scams are becoming ever more sophisticated, especially online. Take care when planning your trip to avoid travel rip-offs.

For as long as there have been travellers, there have been criminals pilfering their valuables. These days, with most of our bookings made online, there's an even bigger chance of falling victim to fraud.

Online travel scams are on the rise.

According to recent research by CommBank, 18- to 29-year-olds were twice as likely to be targeted by travel scammers as 50- to 59-year-olds. Why? Airfares are expensive and young people often have less money for a trip. They're looking for bargains. Most of us are.

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This creates a perfect storm for rip-off artists, says James Roberts from group fraud management services at CommBank.

"Scammers are becoming smarter and more resourceful in their efforts, and an increase in online scams means more people are falling victim to travel scams," he says.

The CommBank research showed 25 per cent of people had experienced an online shopping scam and he lists several online hoaxes, including fake websites listing unbelievable bargains and phishing emails offering free or cheap travel offers.

Stay alert once you've landed. New tricks surface all the time.

"Check the website," says James. "Scammers can often create a website that looks incredibly similar to a legitimate one in an effort to trick victims into thinking they're purchasing from the correct site."

This is particularly prevalent when searching terms like "cheap car rentals". Scammers will create ads or sponsored links to fool people. These scams can ruin your holiday before you get to the airport, but stay alert once you've landed. New tricks surface all the time, says Paul Trotter from World Travel Protection.

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"Travel scams often vary from country to country, and some require unique solutions to mitigate the risk of falling victim," he says. "The most important thing a traveller can do is research their destination."

In other words, just as you'd Google restaurants at your destination, research the common scams. Credit card skimming is still common, so always keep sight of your card and use ATMs inside banks.

Most banks have features in their apps - from setting maximum transaction limits to allowing you to lock your card - that offer precautions against scams. Also consider a travel money card that can be topped up using BPAY. That way, if you happen to be scammed (or skimmed), you'll minimise losses and won't have to cancel your main card halfway through a trip.

Be sure to report scams to local law enforcement and, if it involves your credit card, call your bank immediately. Your travel insurance company will also be an excellent source of information.

"By contacting your provider, you'll be able to get started on the claims process and seek assistance in dealing with any ongoing issues arising from the scam," says Paul.