Scammers are actively looking for victims in online travel communities, the Ministry of Internal Affairs warns. The attackers track user activity in travel groups on social networks and messengers, and then contact them allegedly on behalf of a tour operator.
To gain trust, scammers start a dialogue with simple questions about the planned trip. After that, they offer to purchase tickets or tours at a supposedly bargain price. In fact, this is a deception that can lead to the loss of money and personal data.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs recommends booking trips only on trusted resources, paying for services directly at the tour operator's office upon receipt of the service, and carefully checking reviews from other customers. These measures help reduce the risk of becoming a victim of scammers.
With the growing popularity of online booking, scammers are gaining new tools for deception. Users who do not check sources and do not take precautions risk losing money and finding themselves in a situation where restoring an order or compensation will be impossible.