UBF advises customers to verify websites and avoid making rushed payments during the peak travel season.
Dubai: The UAE Banks Federation (UBF) has urged customers to exercise caution when booking holidays and making travel-related payments, warning that fraudsters are increasingly targeting travellers with fake offers and fraudulent websites during the busy summer travel season.
The federation said scammers often attract consumers with heavily discounted airfares, hotel stays, and holiday packages, using fake websites, social media accounts, and urgent messages designed to pressure victims into making immediate payments.
The federation advised customers to verify the authenticity of websites before making any transactions and to download travel apps only from official app stores, warning that fraudulent applications are often designed to look legitimate in order to steal personal and banking information.
“One click can expose customers to significant risks,” the federation said, stressing the importance of carefully verifying sources and reviewing app permissions before installation.
The UBF also urged travellers to use licensed travel agencies or book directly through official airline and hotel websites, compare prices across multiple platforms, and remain cautious of deals that are significantly cheaper than prevailing market rates.
It advised customers to avoid sharing banking details or one-time passwords through unverified links and recommended using credit cards or secure digital payment methods that provide consumer protection and allow disputed transactions to be challenged.
The federation added that customers who suspect they have been targeted by fraud should immediately contact their bank, block the payment method, and report the incident to the relevant authorities.
