According to Allianz Global Assistance Canada’s (Allianz) eighth annual Vacation Confidence Index Study, Canadians are prioritizing travel in 2025, with total projected vacation spending reaching $25.5 billion. With travel-related cybercrime ramping up as well, it is critical that travel consumers educate and protect themselves, especially during peak travel seasons like summer.
Victims of fraud and cybercrime in Canada lost over $638 million in 2024, up from $578 million the year before, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). Last summer, Check Point Research (CPR) reported a significant rise in summer-themed cyber scams, highlighting how fraudsters exploit the excitement of vacation planning to target travellers. As AI and deepfakes make these scams increasingly realistic and harder to detect, the risk of losing personal data, money, and even access to critical accounts is higher than ever, making cybersecurity a must-have for any summer travel plans.
Travel Scams
Jane Arnett, Cybersecurity Evangelist, Check Point, Canada
“Scammers are creating realistic fake travel websites and ads offering steep discounts on vacations, flights, and hotels to lure Canadians into handing over personal and financial information,” explained Jane Arnett, Cybersecurity Evangelist at Check Point in Canada.
“These fraudulent sites mimic legitimate brands using AI-generated visuals, fake reviews, and nearly identical web designs. Once someone books through a scam site, their payment details may be stolen – or they may arrive to find no reservation exists.”
Weighing in on the dupe power capability of AI, Arnett further stated, “AI has made these scams more believable than ever. With summer travel spending at a record high, scammers are ramping up their efforts to exploit Canadians eager for a good deal. Always book through trusted sources, verify URLs, and be cautious about details that seem too good to be true.”
Red Flags
Arnett highlighted that consumers must see the following red flags when booking online travel.
“Watch for subtle URL changes like misspellings or extra characters, as these are common in spoofed domains,” advised Arnett. “For example, “expediia.com” instead of “expedia.com.”
“Another major red flag is a vacation deal that seems far below market price, especially if paired with urgency [like] ‘limited time only!’ AI is now used to create realistic phishing emails, fake customer service agents, and even cloned voices claiming to represent travel companies.”
“Additionally, be cautious of poorly written emails, odd payment requests, or pressure to act fast. It is important to always double-check contact info and avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages. When in doubt, go directly to a provider’s official website and verify the offer.”
Best Practices for Travellers
“Before you travel, update all devices and turn on features like multi-factor authentication,” recommended Arnett. “Avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking or logging into sensitive accounts. If you must connect, use a VPN to mask browsing activity.”
Arnett also recommended caution when using public charging stations.
Arnett explained, “Bring personal chargers and avoid using public USB ports, which can be vulnerable to a threat called “juice jacking.” This type of attack occurs when cybercriminals hack public USB charging stations with hidden implants designed to compromise connected devices. Once a phone or tablet is plugged in, attackers can steal data or secretly install malware without the user’s knowledge.”
Arnett stressed, “Treat digital safety like a passport – to be protected at all times.”
Can Insurance Help?
“While most travel insurance covers medical emergencies or cancellations, some also offer support for identity theft or fraud-related services,” said Arnett. “Look for a provider that focuses on preventing, detecting, and eliminating fraud, and works to recover stolen funds and redirect them to people impacted. I also recommend using a low-limit credit card when individuals do book, as it may offer additional protections.”
Arnett made it clear that, “insurance alone isn’t enough – travellers should combine coverage with strong cyber habits. Always review policies carefully and inquire about fraud-related protections before travel.”
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