Recommended
QR codes have become an everyday tool for travelers. They are used to check menus, access electronic tickets, make payments, or receive information about flights and lodging. However, cybersecurity experts warn that this seemingly harmless practice can also open the door to digital fraud.
A recent McAfee study, conducted among consumers with travel plans for the next 12 months, found that many tourists are making hasty decisions due to rising costs and the pressure to secure reservations, a situation that is being exploited by cybercriminals to deploy new types of scams.
According to the research, 62% of travelers acknowledge having scanned QR codes while on the go, a practice that can pose risks when the source is not verified.
The investigation reveals that the urgency to secure deals and confirm itineraries is leading many people to relax their security measures.
According to McAfee, nine out of ten travelers claim to feel pressure to book quickly. Furthermore, 32% would be willing to purchase a cheap offer before verifying its legitimacy, and 33% admit to having ignored warning signs for fear of missing out on an attractive opportunity.
The situation becomes more concerning when observing that 41% trust messages that appear to come from airlines or hotels without verifying their authenticity, while one in five users goes as far as opening travel-related links without first checking their source.
¿Por qué los códigos QR pueden ser peligrosos?
Although QR codes are legitimate tools, criminals also use them to direct victims to fake websites, fraudulent forms, or pages designed to steal personal and financial information.
The McAfee study points out that scanning QR codes is among the most common behaviors that can expose travelers to digital risks. 62% of those surveyed admitted to using them during their trips, placing it among the most frequent potentially vulnerable practices.
Specialists explain that the problem lies in the fact that users cannot always see the actual web address behind the code before opening it, which makes it easier for scammers to hide malicious links.
Ocho hábitos que aumentan el riesgo durante un viaje
McAfee identified several daily actions that can put tourists' information at risk:
Using public Wi-Fi networks during trips (63%).
Scanning QR codes without verifying their origin (62%).
Connecting to airport Wi-Fi (49%).
Trusting messages seemingly sent by hotels or airlines without confirming them (41%).
Accessing banking or financial applications on public networks (22%).
Sharing real-time location or travel plans (22%).
Opening travel-related links without verifying the source (20%).
Using shared or public computers (15%).
Las estafas de viaje van en aumento
The results show that travel-related fraud is more common than many imagine. 38% of participants confirmed they had been a victim of some scam linked to their travels or reservations. Among those who suffered fraud, 41% reported financial losses.
Furthermore, nearly half of those who lost money noted that the damage exceeded 500 dollars, reflecting the financial impact that these practices can have on travelers. The most frequent scams
According to the study, among the most common deceptions are:
- Promociones y ofertas de viaje falsas.
- Confirmaciones fraudulentas de reservaciones.
- Anuncios engañosos de hospedaje.
- Solicitudes de pago fuera de plataformas oficiales.
- Falsos anuncios de alquiler vacacional.
- Sitios web que imitan a aerolíneas u hoteles.
- Suplantación de servicios de atención al cliente.
The analysis by McAfee Labs also detected that criminals are copying the appearance of widely recognized tourism brands to build trust in victims.
According to the findings, TripAdvisor was the most spoofed travel platform during the analyzed period, being cloned approximately three times faster than other popular services like Kayak, Expedia, and Booking.com. Researchers even detected thousands of fraud attempts associated with a small number of fake apps, demonstrating the speed at which a convincing scam can spread when users act in a rush.
Cómo protegerse de una estafa
Experts recommend taking extra precautions, especially during high-demand holiday seasons.
Among the main recommendations are:
Verify QR codes before scanning them.
Confirm that links come from official sources.
Book directly on the websites of airlines, hotels, or recognized agencies.
Be wary of offers with excessive discounts or unusual urgency.
Use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
Carefully review text messages, emails, and booking confirmations before providing personal or banking information.
The research concludes that current scams no longer rely solely on obvious errors or poorly written messages. They now often arrive at the right moment and appear to come from trusted sources, making them difficult to identify at first glance. Therefore, specialists recommend that travelers adopt stricter verification habits before clicking on links, scanning QR codes, or sharing personal information during their trips.
Join our WhatsApp channel. VIVE USA is now available! Stay informed from your mobile device about the most relevant news on travel, work, life in the United States and Canada, celebrities, trends, and much more.
[Publicidad]