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Summer cyber-scams: the frauds that catch holiday-makers out most often

MoraBanc 2025-07-15

The arrival of summer—and the relaxed mind-set that comes with holidays—creates fertile ground for cyber-criminals. Recent studies by specialist organisations show that phishing, smishing and vishing attacks rise sharply in July and August, taking advantage of the fact that people check e-mails and phones less carefully.

Travel-related frauds are the most common. E-mails impersonating airlines or booking portals offer fake “express check-ins” or demand supposed outstanding fees to secure a seat. A widespread variant involves advertising non-existent accommodation on rental platforms: the victim pays a deposit and discovers the scam only on arrival. SMS messages that appear to come from delivery firms returning lost luggage are also proliferating, as are “technical-support” calls that, in a rush, try to obtain verification codes or banking details.

Mobility adds extra risk

Mobility adds extra risk. Open Wi-Fi networks in airports, hotels or cafés can capture passwords, and tourist-area ATMs are frequent targets for skimming (copying the magnetic stripe). Finally, posting on social networks that you are away from home facilitates both physical burglaries and digital scams that exploit your absence.

Best Practices to Minimise Risk

  • Always verify the URL and sender before clicking or paying; if in doubt, contact the company directly.
  • Enable two-factor authentication and never give verification codes to anyone over the phone.
  • Avoid sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi; use mobile data or a VPN.
  • Keep devices and apps up to date and run active antivirus protection.
  • Review account activity regularly and set up instant alerts.

At MoraBanc we use advanced fraud-detection systems, biometric access controls and two-factor authentication. We also provide 24/7 monitoring, and our cyber-threat intelligence unit keeps us informed about new attacker techniques. We incorporate anti-fraud filters into digital channels and apply additional controls to sensitive transactions, with real-time alerts that let us anticipate and block suspicious attempts before they affect our clients.

Even so, optimal security is a shared effort: the bank can secure channels and processes, but only you can spot dubious e-mails or SMS messages, protect your credentials and alert us immediately if you detect anything unusual. With prudence and collaboration, summer can be as safe as it is well-deserved.