Essential tips to protect yourself from travel scams this peak season
With peak travel season approaching, don't let fraudsters ruin your holiday by being caught up in a scam.
Image: Unsplash
As the festive season approaches, fraudsters are on high alert, seeking to scam unsuspecting individuals out of their hard-earned money.
December marks peak travel season, and a quick search on social media will reveal numerous travel deals that appear too good to be true.
In South Africa, travel scams are on the rise, with cybercriminals making the travel industry the second most targeted sector for attacks.
Bot activity has surged sharply, accounting for 44.5% of all web traffic in early 2024.
Notable incidents include a scam that allegedly defrauded over 2,000 people of R100 million through fake holiday packages, as well as a separate case in the Western Cape where 80 individuals were swindled out of R2 million in a travel scam.
As South Africa prepares for its peak tourism season, the Southern African Tourism Services Association (SATSA), the voice of inbound tourism in the country, is urging travellers, overseas tour operators, and the local tourism industry to remain vigilant when making bookings.
With demand surging, the risk of engaging with unverified businesses also increases, jeopardising consumer trust and the industry’s reputation.
There is a concerning trend of deception targeting both local and international tourists, with fraudulent operators becoming increasingly sophisticated in their use of stolen credentials and digital platforms.
SATSA has reported instances of companies using its logo without proper authorisation, misleadingly suggesting membership.
While this may seem like a minor detail, the implications are significant: the SATSA logo is widely recognised as a symbol of credibility.
“SATSA’s logo indicates a tourism product’s commitment to ethical conduct, financial transparency, and accountability,” says David Frost, CEO of SATSA.
“Every SATSA member is subject to an enforceable Code of Conduct and stringent annual checks.”
To protect against disappointment or financial loss, SATSA advises the following:
Verify membership by consulting SATSA’s official membership directory or by contacting SATSA directly.
Work only with accredited SATSA members and report any suspected misuse of the SATSA name or logo.
The call for vigilance comes at a crucial time.
South Africa is set to welcome thousands of visitors over the festive season, and fraudulent activity often rises alongside increased travel.
SATSA’s message is clear: pause, verify, and book with confidence.
“By checking for SATSA membership, travellers and businesses are not only protecting themselves - they are also strengthening the integrity of the entire tourism ecosystem,” states Frost.