Q COSTARICA — “Not everything that glitters is gold” or “Too good to be true” applies perfectly, especially during school holidays.
During this period of incredible vacation deals, consumers need to be more careful than ever to avoid falling into the trap of cybercriminals.
With the arrival of the mid-term break for schools and colleges, it’s common for fake vacation service websites to reappear, both on search engines like Google and on social media.
Common scams involve fake travel agencies, bogus vacation rental listings, and fraudulent tour packages, among others. Many victims report booking what seem like affordable and attractive vacation deals online, only to find out later that the reservations were never made or the properties do not exist.
The problem is that when people visit these sites, they might unknowingly give away personal information or make payments, without realizing the site is a fake—a parody of the real thing—designed to take your money and leave you with nothing. Victims have reported identity theft after sharing personal information during the booking process.
“We urge consumers to verify the legitimacy of travel websites and accommodation providers,” said a spokesperson from the Ministry of Tourism. “Use official channels, read reviews, and avoid making payments outside secure platforms.”
This year, officially, the mid-term break begins on Monday, July 6, and will run until Friday, July 17. However, many will begin their “holidaying” or “vacationing” as early as this Friday and return to normal on Monday, July 13.
“During these periods, some fraud attempts are presented as very attractive offers circulating on search engines and social media. Therefore, it’s crucial to develop the habit of always verifying the official website address before entering information or making payments, and to remain vigilant while browsing,” said Arnold Pérez, Acting Director of Security at the Banco Nacional.
In this regard, the expert points out that the growth of digital tourism and e-commerce has expanded opportunities to access products and services. However, it also makes it necessary to strengthen verification habits and exercise caution while browsing, especially when faced with offers that seem unusually attractive.
Here are some tips to avoid being a victim:
- Type the official website address of the website, ie bank or business, directly into your browser, avoiding clicking on a link or QR code, etc, on social networks and emails.
- Check the web address before entering personal information. Banks and many business websites begin with HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure), the secure version of HTTP. It encrypts the communication between your browser and a website, preventing attackers from intercepting or tampering with sensitive data like passwords and credit card details
- Avoid clicking on promotional links from unverified ads or messages.
- Read confirmation messages carefully.
- Use virtual cards on travel platforms. They are entirely digital versions of traditional payment cards. Because they do not require physical plastic, they are generated instantly online to securely process payments while hiding your real banking credentials.
If you detect an unusual situation, act immediately and contact your bank.
The message is clear: stay alert, book smart, and protect your vacation from scams that could turn into a nightmare.