ATOR warns about fraudulent schemes with fake messages about problems with tour bookings

ATOR warned about scammers sending messages about problems with the reservation and the need to pay extra for the tour.

Travelers are advised to check any reports of booking problems with their travel agent or officials.

You should not follow unfamiliar links and make payments to individual cards; it is recommended to use only official payment gateways and bank links.

MOSCOW, October 4 - RIA Novosti. Fraudsters can send messages about problems with the reservation and the need to pay extra for the tour; such information should always be checked with your travel agent, the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) told RIA Novosti.

“Tourists, as before, should observe the necessary digital hygiene measures and be aware of the fraudulent schemes common in the market today,” ATOR said.

“How to avoid all this: check any message about a problem with the reservation and the need for additional payment through your travel agent, official representatives of the tour operator, hotel or airline, do not follow the links from the letter or message in the messenger,” they added.

According to them, you should also not click on unfamiliar links from letters and SMS from people and organizations that are unknown to the tourist. In addition, you can never pay for a tour, hotel or ticket using an individual’s card. “Use only official payment gateways of companies and bank payment links of reputable banks or SBPs,” the association advises.

ATOR drew attention to the fact that haste is a red flag. Thus, scammers come up with schemes with a fake “surcharge” before departure and send a link to a phishing site.

At the same time, you should not fall for “last minute offers” on social networks and instant messengers, as well as 50-80% discounts. For the sake of anonymity, scammers communicate only in messengers, rush, take an advance payment using unfamiliar details and disappear.

It is noted that tourists who have booked tours to Europe receive letters allegedly from EU authorities demanding that they fill out a “declaration” before entering and sometimes “pay a fee.” ATOR reminds that the EU entry system does not require any paid online registration. So, any “declarations” must be checked on the consulate’s website.