Seasonal Swindle Exposed: Unveiling the Widespread Fraud Among Russians, resulting in millions lost during summer, without their money, armor, or tickets.
Vacation Time: A Cautious Guide to Avoid Scams
Summertime, and the living should be easy...but not if you fall prey to online travel and job scams! Here's how to stay safe and secure during your much-deserved break.
Let's dive into the tales of misfortune experienced by our fellow traveler, Galina, on her trip to Anapa. When she found a travel agency offering a 30,000 RUB discount on accommodation, she thought she'd hit the jackpot. Unfortunately, the deal turned out to be too good to be true, as the website was a scam. To avoid Galina's fate, let's follow some expert advice.
Fake Travel Packages and Tickets
The most common way to be swindled during the summer involves non-existent tours and travel tickets. Scammers often disguise themselves as popular services, so it's essential to stay sharp. Cybersecurity advisor Vladimir Ulyanov suggests employing trusted online platforms and travel agencies for booking trips. He also recommends double-checking your bookings with the hotel or transport provider after payment.
Fake Rental Scams
Another popular scam involves renting out vacation properties. Be cautious when renting, as it's not uncommon for the same property to be listed multiple times or rented out for long-term leases without the owner's knowledge. Yulia Uсаcheva, the general director of a real estate agency, advises using reputable websites like "Sutochno," "Avito," or "Ostrovok" for short-term rentals. For long-term rentals, it's best to verify the landlord's identity and check for documentation, such as a passport and a certificate from the Unified State Register of Real Estate, or a notarized power of attorney.
Fake Job Offers
When looking for employment, keep a sharp eye out for fraudulent job postings. Scammers often use vague titles and attractive, yet unclear job descriptions. They may also ask for personal information, suggest flexible work schedules, or require you to join a Telegram channel. To avoid falling victim to such scams, find a job through verified job search resources like well-known platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor. Reputable employers will have undergone step-by-step checks, reducing the risk of encountering online fraud.
Fake QR Codes
Renting electric scooters or bicycles could also expose you to scamming. Scammers place fake QR codes on handlebars, leading you to a fraudulent website. To avoid this, scan codes only with the official apps of the shared mobility services. If you encounter a fake, report it to the shared mobility service support immediately.
Phishing Report
Analysts at Kaspersky Lab have warned of common cyber threats, including fake resources mimicking real and non-existent hotel websites, fake hotel booking platforms, and ticket aggregators. They also cautioned against phishing sites offering travel surveys. Senior Content Analyst Olga Altuhova advised being cautious when making purchases, avoiding entering confidential data on suspicious sites, using protective software, and being mindful of real estate photos used in fake ads.
Happy travels and job hunting! Just remember to stay cautious and vigilant!
In the realm of job hunting, be wary of questionable job offers with vague titles and unclear descriptions, as well as requests for personal information or flexible work schedules. Legitimate employment opportunities can be found through verified job search resources like LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor.
Moreover, when surfing the web for general news, crime-and-justice updates, technology trends, or finance-related stories, beware of phishing sites offering travel surveys or mimicking real and non-existent hotel websites, fake hotel booking platforms, and ticket aggregators. Protect yourself by avoiding entering confidential data on suspicious sites and using protective software consistently. Enjoy your travels and keep a vigilant eye!
