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Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Tom's Guide
How to avoid Airbnb and vacation booking scams — and what to do when they happen
You've packed a bag, hopped a flight and caught a taxi through narrow unfamiliar streets trying to find the right address, with the kids impatiently in tow. But when you get there, and ring the bell as instructed, the man who answers isn't your Airbnb host with a key for the sublet. The dude has no idea what you're talking about and tells you this address isn't an Airbnb. Or maybe the hotel room you thought was a suite fit for a king winds up to be more like a kid sized closet and the bed is actually a folding table with a comforter on it. So… now what? The unfortunate reality is that it's incredibly easy to copy-and-paste photos from real property listings, create fake websites, and even fake reviews in order to make a legitimate looking travel website with fake bookings. If you've found yourself the victim of a fake booking site, the first thing to do is, find yourself a safe place to stay. From here, you're going to take the following steps to protect yourself and your data and make sure it never happens again. Once you realize that you've fallen victim to a scam booking, your next immediate step is going to be to start documenting everything: Start screenshotting all the communications, listing details, confirmation emails and payment receipts for the booking, listing, payments, entire process, text messages — all of it. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Save all the photos and descriptions you can find of the original listing, and make a timeline of all the events of the booking. What method of communication was used (chat boxes in an app, texts, email, phone calls) and note the dates and times they happened. Try to save as much detail of everything that occurred as you can. Next, contact your financial institution and report the fraudulent charges to them. Let your credit card or bank know about the fraud and request a chargeback or dispute the transaction as soon as possible. If you think there may be any further unauthorized access on your card, you can also ask to have your card frozen, though that will also prevent you from using it which may make things difficult if you also need it. Keep in mind when traveling or purchasing anything online, credit cards generally offer better fraud protection than debit cards so whenever possible try to use them then pay them off as soon as possible. If you found a fake listing on a legitimate platform, then report the listing to the platform ideally within 24 to 48 hours. Contact their customer service and provide them with all the details from your timeline. Follow their fraud reporting procedures, and document your interactions with them as well and add that to your timeline. Within 72 hours, make sure you've also filed any official reports with federal agencies. You can contact the FTC at and file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at If there's a significant enough amount of money involved, you may also wish to contact local law enforcement, and you should also try your state's Attorney General's office. Again, keep notes and details of who you contact and when and add this information to your timeline. Lastly, monitor your accounts and identity – from bank and credit card statements, to check for unauthorized charges, to requesting credit reports where you'll be checking for suspicious activity. Additionally, it's not a bad idea to change passwords for any and all accounts that were involved, like the booking site involved, and set up fraud alerts with credit bureaus. Keep in mind, if you have a comprehensive antivirus software package, it might offer features that could be helpful, from dark web monitoring or identity monitoring, to a VPN for traveling, or scam protection for suspicious websites. Now that you've taken care of the immediate issue, here's how to make sure that you can spot a booking or travel scam in the future. There are particular red flags you should be on the look out for when it comes to property listings and booking sites. When it comes to listings, be suspicious of: When it comes to shady booking sites, there are other things to look out for there, for example be concerned: It's particularly worth knowing these signs as more and more scams appear on Airbnb and other booking sites – particularly around heavy travel times like holidays. Scammers aren't against using every tool they have, including AI, to create even more realistic looking listings to convince their targets and leverage social media to make "too good to be true" style offers. Airbnb in particular has worked with Get Safe Online to help raise awareness of how to spot booking scams, especially around the holiday seasons. They echo many of the same tips we've included above and add that you should always trust your instincts – if something seems suspicious or off, then just walk away.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Is your smart home spying? FBI warns devices could be linked to crime
Cyber criminals have managed to gain unauthorized access to home networks by compromising at-home technology such as streaming devices and digital picture frames, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said in a statement. By leveraging Badbox, cyber criminals are able to access the at-home streaming devices, digital projectors, aftermarket vehicle infotainment systems, digital picture frames, and more, the agency explained. Criminals exploit Internet of Things (IoT) devices connected to home networks to conduct criminal activity, the statement reads. They do so by using the BadBox 2.0 botnet, which turns Android-based devices into a controlled network of infected machines. The malware typically spreads through hidden apps downloaded from unofficial stores, and is often pre-installed on cheaper devices. By leveraging Badbox, cyber criminals are able to access the at-home streaming devices, digital projectors, aftermarket vehicle infotainment systems, digital picture frames and more, the agency explained. 'Most of the infected devices were manufactured in China,' the FBI said. 'Cyber criminals gain unauthorized access to home networks by either configuring the product with malicious software prior to purchase or infecting the device as it downloads required applications that contain backdoors, usually during the set-up process.' Once these compromised devices are connected to home networks, they are susceptible to becoming part of the BadBox botnet and residential proxy services, according to the press release. Possible indicators of BadBox activity include: The presence of suspicious marketplaces where apps are downloaded Requiring Google Play Protect settings to be disabled Generic TV streaming devices advertised as unlocked or capable of accessing free content Home devices advertised from unrecognizable brands Android devices that are not Play Protect certified Unexplained or suspicious internet traffic 'The public is urged to evaluate IoT devices in their home for any indications of compromise and consider disconnecting suspicious devices from their networks,' the FBI said. People can minimize exposure to unauthorized residential proxy networks by: Maintaining awareness and monitoring internet traffic of home networks Assessing all IoT devices connected to home networks for suspicious activity Avoid downloading apps from unofficial marketplaces advertising free streaming content Keeping all operating systems, software and firmware up to date Consumers who think they have been a victim of an intrusion can file a report with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) here. Andover man accused of having sexual conversations with purported 13-year-old Supreme Judicial Court upholds 2018 murder conviction in Latin King case N.H. man arrested in Saugus, suspected of killing father in 2003 Boston police seek man involved in hit-and-run that left victim seriously injured 3rd Needham Public Schools employee charged with having child sexual abuse material Read the original article on MassLive.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Daily Mail
FBI launches investigation after thousands report traffic ticket scam
The Federal Bureau Of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning to Americans about a dangerous texting scam sweeping the nation. The agency has opened an investigation after thousands of U.S. citizens reported receiving messages about outstanding traffic tickets that must be paid in June, or risk losing their driving privileges or even facing jail time. The FBI is now urging the public to delete all messages claiming to be from the Department Of Motor Vehicles, noting that a government agency would never contact people directly via text. The scam has surged more than 700 per cent this month as cybercriminals launched a new wave of attacks against smartphone users. These messages typically contain fake website links designed to steal your credit card numbers and other personal information. 'The 'outstanding toll amount' is a common theme in complaints made to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3),' the FBI said. The texts vary by state but often use urgency, threatening language, and official-looking URLs, sometimes even including state names or '.gov', to appear legitimate. Officials confirmed that the scam is spreading rapidly across the country, with reports coming in from Tennessee, New York, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Texas, Washington DC, and several other states. In contrast to earlier scams, the new DMV messages are longer, state-specific, and more professionally written, which increases their ability to appear real to recipients. The FBI confirmed that organized crime rings operating from overseas were responsible for the messages. DMV Commissioner Mark J. F. Schroeder, said: 'These scammers flood phones with texts, hoping to trick unsuspecting New Yorkers into handing over their personal information. DMV will not send you texts asking for your personal details.' FBI Supervisory Special Agent David Palmer explained that the messages were created by organized groups using computers and AI to send out thousands of texts an hour, in the hope that a few people would respond. Palmer told News Channel 3: 'It costs them next to nothing to send these messages, but in return, they can harvest valuable personal information from their victims. By putting malware on your phone, they then can go in and steal information from your device, or collect your payment information.' According to cybersecurity firm Guardio, these messages are more sophisticated than past scams. The surge follows a year-long series of unpaid toll scams that peaked in March and April, tricking drivers with similar tactics before public awareness led to their decline. But the latest wave of attacks appears far more aggressive, with texts threatening legal consequences unless users act immediately by clicking a malicious link. Guardio said: 'We have spotted a 773 percent surge in DMV scam texts - and they're getting way more dangerous.' If a user has clicked or entered information, they are advised to secure accounts and file a report at
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
FBI reports elder fraud in Arkansas on the rise, more than $27 million in 2024 losses
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Officials with the Little Rock FBI office said elder fraud is on the rise nationally, including in Arkansas. Officials said that the 2024 national loss to those over 60 due to various scams totaled $4.885 billion, based on 147,127 complaints. This represents a 46% increase from 2023 losses, they said. Arkansas agencies issue notices about frequent text scam FBI officials reported that Arkansans over 60 experienced losses totaling $27,253,501 in 2024. Officials said typical scams targeting seniors include investment scams, technical/customer support scams, money mule & romance scams and others. 'Anyone can be a victim of fraud, but unfortunately scams targeting the elderly remain a growing problem,' said FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge Alicia D. Corder. 'Our goal is to educate Arkansans about this threat so together we can protect seniors in our communities.' Investigators said seniors are often targeted because they are generally more polite and trusting. The fact that they may be unfamiliar with reporting options such as adds to their attractiveness to predatory scammers. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin urges precautions as scammers target small businesses FBI officials gave these tips to help seniors avoid scams: Search online for the contact information (name, phone number, email, and address) of any unknown source that reaches out to you, as well as the proposed offer. Verify the legitimacy of businesses on reputable websites, such as the Better Business Bureau. Other people have likely posted information online about businesses and individuals attempting to run scams. Resist the pressure to act quickly. Scammers create a sense of urgency to lure victims into immediate action, typically by instilling trust, inducing empathy or fear, or promising monetary gains, companionship or employment opportunities. Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door service offers. Never give or send to unverified people or businesses any personally identifiable information, money, checks, gift cards, or wire information. Take precautionary measures to protect your identity in case a criminal gains access to your device or account. Immediately contact your financial institutions to place protections on your accounts and monitor for suspicious activity. Jefferson County deputies warn of email scam If someone believes they are a victim of fraud or knows a senior who may be, regardless of financial loss, immediately report the incident to their local FBI field office or other law enforcement agency, or: by calling 1-800-CALL FBI, or online at or to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Mail
13-06-2025
- Daily Mail
FBI issues warning to all 1.8b iPhone users over dangerous scam: 'Delete these new texts NOW'
A dangerous texting scam sweeping the nation has caught the attention of the FBI. The agency has opened an investigation after thousands of Americans reported receiving messages about outstanding traffic tickets that must be paid in June, or risk losing their driving privileges or even facing jail time. The FBI is urging the public to delete all messages claiming to be from the Department of Motor Vehicles, noting that a government agency would never contact people directly by text. The scam has surged more than 700 percent this month as cybercriminals launch a new wave of attacks against Android and iPhone users across the US. These messages typically contain fake website links designed to steal credit card numbers and other personal information. 'The 'outstanding toll amount' is a common theme in complaints made to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3),' the FBI said. The texts vary by state but often use urgency, threatening language, and official-looking URLs, sometimes even including state names or '.gov,' to appear legitimate. Officials confirmed that the scam is spreading rapidly across the country, with reports coming in from Tennessee, New York, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Texas, Washington DC, and several other states. Recent examples include emails and text messages asking recipients to update their personal information for expiring government documents. The examples below are NOT from the New York State DMV The FBI warned that clicking the links could install malware onto your device, allowing hackers to steal personal data, access financial apps, or hijack the phone's functions. In contrast to earlier scams, the new DMV messages are longer, state-specific, and more professionally written, which increase their ability to appear real to recipients. The FBI confirmed that organized crime rings operating from overseas are responsible for the messages, which threaten recipients with penalties if payments aren't made immediately. DMV Commissioner Mark J. F. Schroeder, said: 'These scammers flood phones with texts, hoping to trick unsuspecting New Yorkers into handing over their personal information. 'DMV will not send you texts asking for your personal details.' FBI Supervisory Special Agent David Palmer explained that the messages are generated by organized groups using computers and AI to send out thousands of texts an hour, in the hope that a few people will respond. 'It costs them next to nothing to send these messages, but in return, they can harvest valuable personal information from their victims,' Palmer told News Channel 3. 'By putting malware on your phone, they then can go in and steal information from your device, or collect your payment information.' The FBI warned that clicking the links could install malware onto your device, allowing hackers to steal personal data, access financial apps, or hijack the phone's functions According to cybersecurity firm Guardio, these messages are more sophisticated than past scams. The firm reported a 773 percent rise in DMV scam texts in just the first week of June. The surge follows a year-long series of unpaid toll scams that peaked in March and April, tricking drivers with similar tactics before public awareness led to their decline. But the latest wave of attacks appears far more aggressive, with fake texts threatening legal consequences unless users act immediately by clicking a malicious link. Guardio is warning about a major spike in DMV scam texts. 'We have spotted a 773 percent surge in DMV scam texts - and they're getting way more dangerous,' the company said. If a user has clicked or entered information, they are advised to secure accounts and file a report at
