How it works:

• You see an offer that is too good to be true
• You are asked to pay in advance
• After making the payment: the accommodation no longer exists / nobody answers the phone anymore

Red flags:

• Price well below market rates
• Payment requested outside the platform (sometimes the ad or website imitates a legitimate booking platform, but it is fake)
• Communication moved to WhatsApp

How to protect yourself:

• Book only through official platforms (check whether the website is the real one or a fake copy)
• Do not pay by direct bank transfer or through links received on WhatsApp
• Check genuine reviews
• Call the hotel directly for confirmation using the official phone number

How it works:

• You receive a message/email: “your booking has been cancelled”
• You are asked to confirm payment
• You click the link → fake website
• You enter your card details → they are stolen

Red flags:

• Urgent or alarming message
• Suspicious link / unusual domain
• Language mistakes or different design

How to protect yourself:

• Do not click links in messages
• Go directly to the official website
• Check the booking in your account

How it works:

• You receive a message “from the airline” → in reality, it is from scammers
• You are asked to pay for baggage/check-in
• You click the link → fake website
• You enter your card details → they are stolen

Red flags:

• Unexpected message
• Pressure to make a quick payment
• Unofficial external link

How to protect yourself:

• Check only in the official app
• Do not pay through links received via SMS or WhatsApp
• Contact the airline directly

How it works:

• You connect to a “free” Wi-Fi network
• The network is controlled by attackers
• They can intercept your data

Red flags:

• Generic name (Airport WiFi, Hotel Free WiFi, cafés)
• No password required or a simple password
• Connection requesting suspicious authentication

How to protect yourself:

• Avoid making payments on public Wi-Fi
• Use mobile data
• Verify the network with the Information Desk or the hotel reception

How it works:

• You find attractive excursions online
• You are asked to pay in advance
• After payment, the guide/organizer disappears

Red flags:

• No genuine reviews
• Communication exclusively through private messages
• Very low price

How to protect yourself:

• Book through well-known agencies or platforms
• Check online reviews
• Avoid advance payments to private accounts

How it works:

• You are approached by an unofficial “taxi”
• You are offered a quick ride
• Payment is made through a fake POS terminal or via an online link

Red flags:

• Vehicle without official markings
• Unclear fare that turns out to be excessive
• Unusual payment request

How to protect yourself:

• Use official apps
• Check the fare before the ride
• Avoid paying through links

How it works:

• You exchange money at an “attractive” rate
• Hidden fees appear
• You receive less money

Red flags:

• Rate that is too good
• Unclear information about fees
• People offering currency exchange on the street

How to protect yourself:

• Use authorized exchange offices
• Verify the amount before leaving
• Avoid exchanging money on the street

How it works:

• You see a “heavily discounted” offer
• You are pressured to pay quickly
• After payment → the offer disappears

Red flags:

• “Today only” / “last available spots”
• Price well below market rates
• Emotional pressure

How to protect yourself:

• Avoid rushed decisions
• Compare prices
• Verify the provider

How it works:

• You receive a call/video call from a “travel agent/hotel representative”
• The person appears real, but the call has been created using artificial intelligence
• You are asked to make a payment

Red flags:

• Urgent financial requests
• Vague information
• Refusal to verify through another channel

How to protect yourself:

• Verify the identity independently
• Do not make decisions under pressure
• Contact the agency/hotel directly through official channels

How it works:

• You are offered a “tourism investment”: buy a hotel room
• A platform that appears legitimate
• You deposit money → you can no longer withdraw it

Red flags:

• Promises of guaranteed profits and fabricated examples of people who allegedly became rich overnight
• Unknown platforms
• Pressure to invest quickly

How to protect yourself:

• Verify the platform’s authorization
• Avoid investments that are “too good to be true”
• Consult a specialist
• For investments, use only authorized and verified institutions