Malvertising Scam Targets Cruise Travelers: Here's What You Need to Know
A new scam is making the rounds this week, and it’s targeting a specific group: travellers, especially those looking to book or rebook ocean cruises. Cybersecurity experts have issued warnings about a malvertising scam that uses fake online ads to trick unsuspecting consumers into handing over sensitive financial information. The deceptive ads are appearing prominently on search engines like Google, often as sponsored results, giving them an air of legitimacy.
Here’s how the scam works: A traveller searches for a cruise line’s customer service phone number—perhaps looking to confirm a booking, ask a question, or rebook a trip. Near the top of the search results, they see what looks like an official ad featuring the cruise line’s logo, name, and a toll-free number. But instead of directing callers to a legitimate company representative, the number connects them with a scammer posing as a customer service agent.
Once on the line, the fake agent offers an enticing deal - perhaps a rebooking at a lower price, an exclusive discount, or early access to a cruise package. These offers sound too good to pass up, and that’s exactly the point. The scammer will then ask for credit card details to “secure” the deal, but instead of booking your trip, they’re stealing your financial information and potentially draining your bank account.
These types of scams, known as “malvertising” (malicious advertising), exploit the trust people place in search engines and online ads. The appearance of legitimacy - branded graphics, polished ad copy, and a high placement in search results - makes it difficult for even savvy travellers to detect the fraud.
How to Protect Yourself:
Be skeptical of deals that sound too good to be true. Legitimate cruise discounts are rare and usually require booking through trusted sources. If something feels off, trust your instincts.
Don't rely solely on online ads. Just because an ad appears on a major platform doesn’t mean it’s safe. Scammers can easily purchase ad space and make their listings look official.
Always go directly to the source. When looking for a cruise line’s contact information, visit their official website or use a known and verified phone number. Bookmarking official sites can help avoid confusion later.
Use trusted travel agents or booking platforms. Especially for major purchases like cruises, working with a reputable travel professional can provide added peace of mind.
As summer travel picks up, scammers know that people are eager to finalize vacation plans. Staying alert and practicing good online hygiene can make the difference between a dream trip and a financial nightmare.
https://www.smartertravel.com/beware-of-this-cruise-cancellation-scam/