Police Warn of Rising 'Smishing' Scams Targeting Summer Holidaymakers
Police are warning holidaymakers to be vigilant against "smishing" scams where cybercriminals impersonate banks via text message to steal sensitive financial credentials during the travel booking season.
As summer approaches, police are warning of a rise in online scams targeting holidaymakers. Cybercriminals are increasingly sophisticated, specifically targeting people while they are busy booking flights, hotels, and activities.
The latest scam involves fraudulent text messages that impersonate banks. After a user books a trip, they receive a fake alert claiming a large payment—often around 3,000 euros—has been charged to their account for that travel. The message urges the victim to call a specific number to "resolve" the issue, which is a trap designed to steal sensitive banking credentials.
This tactic, known as "smishing," uses social engineering to create a false sense of urgency, pressuring victims into acting quickly without checking if the message is real. Cybersecurity experts emphasize that legitimate banks will never ask for confidential information or demand urgent action via text message.
To stay safe this summer, authorities advise ignoring any suspicious messages and never calling the numbers provided in them. If you are concerned about your account, contact your bank directly through their official website or app, or report the incident to the police. Staying alert and verifying your communication channels is the best way to ensure your holiday plans aren't ruined by scammers.