Whether you’re booking your next summer getaway or those tickets for that much-awaited concert, it’s important to be careful and stay alert, as scammers are getting craftier every day. Fraudulent techniques related to travel, ticketing, and any sort of entertainment are on the rise, and if you’re not cautious, your dream plans could quickly turn into a nightmare.
Keep reading to learn how scammers exploit your excitement about making memories, only to steal your money in the process.
Holiday and travel scams
Booking a trip is exciting, and it’s also a moment where we often let our guard down – and fraudsters are aware of this! Here’s a couple of common traps to avoid:
Fake booking websites & airline ticket agents
Scammers often create fake websites that look like legitimate booking platforms or pose as airline ticket agents offering steep discounts. They lure travelers with deals that seem too good to be true, only to either take payment and disappear or provide fake bookings. Always book directly through trusted airline websites or reputable travel agencies. Check for secure payment methods (look for “https”) and read customer reviews before entering payment details. Avoid unfamiliar sites and agents offering unusually low prices.
Use booking.com for your next holiday accommodation and get a 4% credit back when using your Moneybase Mastercard.
Bait-and-switch pricing
Beware of ads or websites that advertise flights or hotels at incredibly low prices, only for the final cost to increase when you try to book. This tactic often involves hidden fees, taxes, or surcharges that make the deal much more expensive than initially advertised. Before booking, check if the price includes all fees and taxes. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. At Moneybase, we recommend always double-checking pricing and reading the fine print before confirming any booking.
Phishing scams
Phishing scams are a major threat to travelers. Fraudsters may send fake emails, texts, or phone calls that appear to come from airlines, hotels, or travel agencies. These messages often claim there’s a problem with your booking and ask for personal information, such as credit card details or passport numbers. Moneybase advises you to never click on links or download attachments from suspicious messages. If you receive a communication about your travel, contact the company directly using their official website or customer support number to verify its legitimacy.
Learn how to spot phishing scams following these simple rules.
Events and ticket scams
As soon as a popular concert or a global festival is announced, fans start skimming through the internet to secure a ticket very much in high demand, as soon as possible before they’re sold out. But as concerts, festivals and even sporting events fill up your calendar, scammers see big opportunities too! Here’s what you should watch out for:
Fake ticket sellers & resale scams
Scammers often create fake websites or social media profiles to sell counterfeit or duplicate tickets. These tickets either don’t exist or are already used, and when you show up at the event, you’re turned away. To avoid this, always buy tickets from trusted sources like Ticketmaster, StubHub, or official event websites. Avoid unknown third-party sites or sellers with no verifiable reviews.
Fake VIP packages and benefits
Fraudsters advertise VIP packages with perks like backstage access or premium seating, but these perks don’t exist. Always verify VIP offers through the event’s official website or authorised sellers. Be cautious of third-party sellers offering discounted packages that promise exclusive benefits.
Fake charity or fundraiser ticket sales
Some scammers impersonate charities or fundraisers, claiming to sell concert tickets to raise money for a cause. However, the tickets don’t exist, and the money goes straight to the scammer. Always research and verify any charity before purchasing tickets from unknown sellers, websites, even if it is for a good cause.
Stay secure with Moneybase
With a Moneybase Mastercard, you have full control over your card’s security settings. Whether you’re at home or traveling, manage your preferences easily:
- Activate or disable swipe payments, contactless payments, ATM withdrawals, and online transactions directly in the app.
- Freeze or block your card instantly if lost or stolen.
- Use a virtual card for secure contactless payments via Apple Pay, Google Pay, Garmin Pay, and Xiaomi Pay.
- View your card PIN securely using biometric authentication in the app.
- Receive real-time notifications to spot and reject unauthorised transactions.
All these features are fully customisable through the Moneybase app, giving you complete control over your card’s security. In the unfortunate event of fraud, most of your transactions are protected by the Mastercard Chargeback Scheme. This added layer of security offers reassurance and support, ensuring your payments are safeguarded and your financial experience remains stress-free.
Be sure to check out our fraud prevention articles to stay informed on travel scams, new security updates, and tips to safeguard your financial information.
Get travel discounts with Moneybase and skip the scams!
Before finalising your flights, accommodation, or car rental, be sure to check out the exclusive travel discounts and offers available with your Moneybase Mastercard. Enjoy savings from top travel brands like easyJet Plus, Booking.com, Rentalcars.com, Heathrow Express, and more.
Plus, you can earn €10 cashback every Monday when you spend €200 or more on 5 transactions, online or in-store. This offer applies to physical cards, virtual cards, and cards linked to virtual wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Download the Moneybase app today
Download the Moneybase app today to easily manage your payments and finances securely, while enjoying savings on travel with competitive FX rates, exclusive travel discounts, cashback offers, and more!
For further assistance you can speak to our ISO-certified customer support via the in-app live chat, by calling on +356 25 688 688, or by visiting any Calamatta Cuschieri Moneybase branchs in Fgura, Birkirkara, Mosta, and Sliema.
Payment services are brought to you by Moneybase Limited (MB) C 87193 which is licensed by the MFSA to transact the business of a Financial Institution in terms of the Financial Institutions Act, Cap 376. All investment services are brought to you by Calamatta Cuschieri Investment Services Ltd (CCIS) C13729 which is licensed by the MFSA to undertake investment services business under the Investment Services Act, Cap 370. Cuschieri Investment Services Ltd is a member of the Maltese Investor Compensation Scheme (“Scheme”). Instruments entrusted with us are covered under the Scheme in line with the Investor Compensation Scheme Regulations (S.L. 370.09). The value of investments may go up as well as down and investors might not get back the original amount invested. MB and CCIS are both subsidiaries of the Calamatta Cuschieri Moneybase plc with their registered address situated at Level 0, Ewropa Business Centre, Dun Karm Street, Birkirkara, BKR 9034, Malta.
