Billions of Gmail and Outlook users warned check inbox now for ‘red flag phrase’ that steals money and holiday dreams
CYBERSECURITY experts have spotted a new holiday-based scam that aims to steal your money and take your travel dreams.
Experts at security firm Trend Micro have flagged a phishing email that looks scarily legitimate as it pretends to be from a popular hotel booking site.
On a recent blog, the scam specialists explain how they’ve detected a new Booking.com phishing email scam spreading around.
You could search your own inbox for it now by searching “Booking.com” but make sure you don’t mistake it for any legitimate emails.
The scam is not associated with the actual Booking.com, cybercriminals are just using the popular brand name to trick victims.
The bogus message states: “Congratulations! You have a code for a 20% discount code at any hotel in the world.”
It then encourages recipients to click a blue “verify your account button”.
This button takes you to a site that aims to steal your personal and financial information.
Falling for the scam could drain your bank and any money you had saved for legitimate holidays.
Cyber experts usually say that if an offer seems too good to be true it usually is.
That’s a good trick to apply to an email like this.
If you get this scam message or one similar, report it as spam and delete it.
HOW TO AVOID A PHISHING SCAM
Firstly, you should be thorough when checking who the email is from.
Even if it looks official, double-check the email and look for any spelling mistakes or slight abnormalities in the sender’s email address.
Never feel pressurised into opening an attachment and avoid clicking the phrase “enable content.”
You should also be wary of links in emails.
If you’re certain an email you have received is a scam, report it to your email provider and delete it.