51% Indian travellers have fallen prey to online scams Heres how you can outsmart the scammers.

As tourism in our country picks up after the challenging times of Covid, it's unfortunate to see a rise in online travel scams targeting eager travellers like us. Yep, you heard it right! A recent report by McAfee Corp, called the 'Safer Holidays' Travel report, reveals some eye-opening statistics.

According to the report, a whopping 51 percent of Indian travellers have fallen victim to online scams while attempting to save some bucks on their bookings. Imagine the disappointment of having your hard-earned money stolen even before your adventure begins! Sadly, it's a reality for 77 percent of those unfortunate souls, who have lost up to USD 1,000 (Rs 83,000) in the process.

The Safer Holidays Travel report surveyed 7,000 people across seven countries, including 1,010 from India. Here's something interesting: 66 percent of Indian vacationers plan to explore our beautiful country this year, while 42 percent have their sights set on international destinations.

In today's economic climate, we're all on the lookout for a fantastic deal, right? Well, the report shows that 54 percent of Indian adults actively search for bargain deals online. And when they spot one, they move swiftly to seize the opportunity (50 percent). They're even open to trying out new booking sites (44 percent) or exploring new destinations (47 percent) just to save some precious money. We're a smart bunch, but unfortunately, scammers see this as an opportunity too.

These travel scams come in various shapes and sizes. The report highlights that 27 percent of Indians have been tricked into making payments through fraudulent platforms, while 36 percent have had their identities stolen during online bookings. Shockingly, 13 percent of victims unknowingly entered their passport information on fake websites, and 23 percent provided other personal information. It's a disheartening reality, but we need to be aware.

The report also sheds light on certain activities that put us at increased risk while traveling. Things like connecting to Wi-Fi networks without caution, using free USB charging ports at airports or train stations, or even forgetting to log out of our digital accounts after checking out of our accommodations can expose us to potential risks.

Now, let's talk about cybersecurity. Despite being aware of the dangers, a concerning 46 percent of respondents feel that their personal information is less secure when they connect to the internet during vacations. Surprisingly, only 61 percent of travellers utilise any services to monitor the safety of their online identity, and even worse, 33 percent don't use a VPN while on vacation.

Although, the risks shouldn't deter us from enjoying our adventures. It's crucial to be vigilant when booking your travel plans and take necessary precautions to protect your personal information.

Here are some steps that you can take to avoid falling for such scams:

1. Stick to reputable websites and providers: When booking your travel arrangements, rely on well-known and trusted websites and providers. Look for customer reviews and ratings to ensure their credibility.

2. Double-check website security: Before entering any personal or payment information, make sure the website has a secure connection. Look for "https" in the URL and a padlock symbol, indicating a secure website.

3. Be cautious with deals that seem too good to be true: Scammers often lure unsuspecting travelers with unbelievably cheap deals. Exercise caution and do thorough research before making any payments. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

4. Verify contact information: If you come across a travel agency or website, take a moment to verify their contact information. Look for a physical address, customer support phone number, and email address. Reach out to them and ask questions to assess their legitimacy.

5. Pay with secure methods: When making payments online, use secure and reputable payment methods such as credit cards or trusted payment gateways. Avoid sharing sensitive information like bank account details or social security numbers.

6. Stay vigilant against phishing attempts: Be wary of suspicious emails, messages, or calls asking for your personal or financial information. Scammers may impersonate legitimate travel companies to deceive you. Always verify the source before sharing any sensitive details.

7. Use a virtual private network (VPN): A VPN adds an extra layer of security by encrypting your internet connection. It helps protect your personal information when using public Wi-Fi networks, reducing the risk of data theft.

8. Regularly monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements, as well as your online booking accounts. Especially when you are making payments during your trip. There could be charged you didn't sign-up for. Report any suspicious activity immediately to your financial institution or the relevant authorities.

9. Update your devices and use security software: Ensure that your devices, including smartphones and laptops, have the latest software updates and antivirus protection. This helps safeguard against malware and other cyber threats.

10. Educate yourself about common scams in the country: Stay informed about the latest travel scams and fraud techniques. Knowledge is your best defense. Research and learn from credible sources to protect yourself and spread awareness among fellow travelers.

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