Travel Payment Fraud and Fake Hotel Scams Surge Globally — Key Risks for Agents & Travellers in 2025

Tourist Hotspots = Scam Targets

High-traffic tourist cities are bearing the brunt of this trend. According to recent data, destinations like Bangkok, Cancun, Hanoi, and Dhaka are seeing more fake listings, scam travel sites, and forged confirmation emails.

Tactics include:

• Demands for upfront payment

• Deeply discounted “exclusive” deals

• Unverified listings on lesser-known platforms

Clients often discover too late that accommodations don’t exist or are drastically misrepresented.

Safer Cities with Stronger Protections

Not all regions are equal in fraud risk. Cities such as Dublin, Seoul, San Francisco, Edinburgh, and Budapest report significantly lower fraud rates, supported by:

• Strict platform regulations

• Advanced payment gateway security

• Verified accommodation networks

These insights are crucial for B2B professionals recommending travel options during high-demand periods.

Region-Specific Scam Trends

Fraud types vary by geography:

• Phuket & Antalya: Hotel booking scams dominate, often via fake rentals and unauthorised booking portals

• Riyadh, Manila & Los Angeles: Restaurant and food service scams are more prevalent, involving ghost kitchens or false reservation platforms

Understanding local patterns helps travel pros tailor their due diligence protocols and vendor vetting processes.

Peak Seasons Mean Peak Fraud

Holiday travel brings high booking volume—and heightened fraud risk. Mastercard’s internal data shows:

• +18% fraud surge during summer travel months

• +28% spike around winter holiday periods

These are times when urgency and emotional booking decisions make travellers especially vulnerable.

How B2B Travel Professionals Can Safeguard Clients

To maintain trust and avoid reputational damage, B2B travel agents must:

◾ Book only through verified platforms and suppliers
◾ Warn clients against paying outside secure channels
◾ Cross-check listings for red flags (lack of reviews, pricing discrepancies)
◾ Recommend fraud-resistant destinations for cautious travellers
◾ Stay updated on scam trends in key travel regions

Proactive steps not only reduce risk but also reinforce your brand's reliability.

Takeaway: Your Role in Preventing Travel Fraud

The rise of travel fraud is a pressing concern across all markets. As a B2B travel professional, you're uniquely positioned to guide, educate, and protect clients through verified bookings, secure payments, and smart destination advice.

Incorporating fraud awareness into your service strategy will not only elevate client trust but also help safeguard the travel ecosystem.

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