Increasing online travel scams in the country

Online travel scams are on the rise in India. Scammers often take advantage of people's desire to find affordable travel options or attractive vacation deals. According to a report by McAfee, about 51% of Indian travelers have fallen victim to online travel scams. The report also found that 77% of those who had money stolen have lost up to $1,000 (Rs 83,000) before their trip has even begun.

The research highlights the diverse nature of travel scams, indicating that 14% of all adults have been deceived into making payments through fraudulent platforms. 11% had their personal data stolen, 9% had their financial details stolen and 7% reported that their identities were even cloned. The report further outlines that 66% of all Indian vacationers said they will travel domestically this year and 42% will do so internationally.

The report also uncovers that people have engaged in several activities that could put them at increased risk of crime while travelling--like connecting to Wi-Fi networks, using a free USB charging port at an airport or train station, or leaving their digital account logged in after checking out of their accommodation.

There are a number of reasons why online travel scams are on the rise in India. One reason is the growing popularity of online travel booking. More and more people are booking their travel online, which makes them more vulnerable to scams. Another reason is the lack of awareness about online travel scams. Many people are not aware of the different types of online travel scams or how to protect themselves from them.

Even as people are aware of the dangers, 46% respondents think their personal information is less secure when they connect to the internet while on vacation, only 61% make use of any services to monitor the safety of their online identity, and 33% don't use a VPN while on vacation.

Overall, the report found that 59% of Indians are more concerned about digital threats than physical ones, such as being pickpocketed, and 94% hold either some or high concern around their identity being compromised as part of their travel.

Cybercriminals use phishing emails and fake sites to entice users to click harmful links. Even if a travel deal seems tempting, it's advisable to refrain from interacting with such emails altogether. It is advised., While on vacation, ensure the Wi-Fi you connect to is secure and from a trusted source.

It is high time to deploy a virtual private network (VPN) to safeguard your connection, personal data, and online activities when doing banking, shopping, and browsing tasks to protect yourself from online travel scams and have a safe and enjoyable trip.

S Mohini Ratna, Editor, VARINDIA