Study Reveals Indians Vulnerable to Travel Scams Ahead of Summer Holidays

The data also reveals that over 50 per cent of affected travelers lost money, with nearly one in five victims losing upwards of ₹40,000. Young adults between the ages of 25 and 34 are particularly at risk, with 31 per cent clicking on malicious confirmation links and 25 per cent deceived by manipulated travel photos.

Adding to the concern, the ongoing IPL 2025 season has fueled a surge in ticket bookings, with many fearing scams related to event tickets. A significant 82 per centA McAfee survey reveals that nearly half of Indian travelers have fallen victim to scams, with younger holidaymakers most at risk, especially in the rush for bargain travel deals. of people expressed concerns over these online frauds, and 60 per cent plan to be extra cautious during online purchases.

In a broader context, 51 per cent of Indians reported falling victim to travel scams while on holiday. Among the most common scams, 21 per cent of travelers reported paying deposits for non-existent accommodations, while 18 per cent were tricked into booking fake excursions or events. Identity theft and banking information compromise were also key risks.

Pratim Mukherjee, Senior Director of Engineering at McAfee, emphasized the need for heightened vigilance, saying, "With the peak summer travel season underway, it’s crucial to verify sources, use secure payment methods, and avoid deals that seem too-good-to-be-true."

McAfee’s tips to safeguard against scams include verifying listings through reverse image searches, using secure payment methods, and investing in online protection solutions like McAfee+ to protect against phishing attacks and malicious links. On vacation, travelers should remain cautious about QR codes and sharing real-time locations. This research serves as a crucial reminder to travelers: stay informed and protect your online presence to ensure your vacation doesn’t turn into a scam-filled nightmare.