The Big Question: How can I beat the cheats and avoid online travel scams?

Digital scamming has been on the rise, so how do you avoid it?

I really should know better. A professional traveller for the past 25 years, I can't believe I fell into a beginner's trap this week. In preparation for an upcoming trip to Canada, I need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). I Google 'Canada eTA' and click on what I think is the official Government of Canada's webpage.

Following the prompts, I enter my personal information. All. Of. It. Passport details, address, phone number, email. It's only when I get to the payment page that I suspect something isn't right. The requested eTA fee of $US79 ($117) seems way too high. I quickly navigate away from the page.

Like countless other travellers, I've been duped. Copycat websites on the internet are designed to closely resemble official visa application sites, booking platforms and airline contact pages. Third parties are bidding on keywords to appear at the top of Google search results. In some cases, the goal is to fleece unsuspecting travellers out of money. That $US79 fee was indeed too high for an eTA. The correct price is $C7 ($7.70). Other times, the scammers want your highly sensitive personal details for use in fraudulent activities. The dangers are rife, and it's important to protect yourself online.

"There's nothing like an online scam to put a damper on your exciting travel plans," says Greg Mangos, managing director of Travel Utopia agency. "Travel visas are a minefield and we always advise going through a travel agent to ensure you're provided with the official government link."

For travellers booking independently, Mangos says it's essential to practice good "digital hygiene". This means always checking smartraveller.com.au for up-to-date application advice on visas and general travel advice, to minimise the risk of scams and other pitfalls.

Mark Trim, founder and managing director of RoundAbout Travel, says Aussie travellers are falling prey to Google scams during stressful situations. "Need to speak with an airline on short notice? Be aware of Google scams around airline contact details," Trim says. "Third parties are now bidding on these keywords to appear at the top of search results and appearing to be airline contact centre staff." Trim says he's heard of travellers being conned into thinking their reservations are on "waitlist" and that they need to pay thousands of dollars to get confirmed, or that there are issues with their ticket that they'll need to pay extra to fix. "They prey on people in stressful situations," Trim says. "If your flights are delayed or cancelled, go straight to a service counter and deal with it in person."

1. Sites that mimic popular online hotel and apartment booking platforms.