The brief explores common schemes including stolen payment information, client and supplier impersonation, credential theft, business email compromise and the exploitation of agency onboarding and verification processes. It also examines how artificial intelligence is enabling fraudsters to create more convincing phishing attempts, cloned voices, deepfakes and synthetic identities.
ASTA’s analysis outlines the financial and operational consequences for travel agencies, including chargebacks, debit memos, data exposure, reputational damage and the staff time required to investigate and resolve incidents.
The brief also provides practical steps agencies can take to reduce their exposure, including strengthening account security, using multi-factor authentication, establishing clear payment verification protocols, training staff, monitoring accounts, protecting client data and creating an incident response plan.
WHY IT MATTERS:
Travel agencies operate in a fast-moving, highly connected environment built on trusted relationships and high-value transactions, making them attractive targets for increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes. ASTA’s Industry Brief gives members practical guidance to strengthen their defenses, protect client information and recognize emerging threats before they result in financial or operational harm.
The brief also reinforces the travel advisor’s role as an important line of defense for travelers who may be targeted by fake booking websites, fraudulent visa services and criminals impersonating trusted travel professionals.
QUOTE FROM ZANE KERBY, ASTA PRESIDENT AND CEO:
“Fraud is becoming more sophisticated, more scalable and more difficult to detect, particularly as criminals use artificial intelligence to exploit trust and create a false sense of urgency. Travel advisors need strong systems, clear verification procedures and current information to protect their businesses and their clients. This Industry Brief gives our members practical steps they can take now while reinforcing the value of working with a trusted travel professional.”
ACCESS:
The Industry Brief is now available to ASTA members. Members must log in to access the full brief at ASTA’s Industry Affairs resources page.
MEDIA ONLY LINK: Media are welcome to access the complete Industry Brief for reporting and background purposes. Please do not share or link directly to the document in published coverage. Instead, link to the Industry Resources section of ASTA’s website.
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