Importance of Travel Scam Prevention and Steps Needed to Mitigate It

A dramatic increase in the use of social media has created convenience for individuals, as they are now more connected to each other. But this digital shift also has some dark side, as it has attracted the heed of scammers. Hackers are now scamming individuals online, as hacking digital accounts takes less time and effort than in-person robbery. The people of the tourism and hospitality industry are tremendously facing travel fraud. According to a survey, 46% of merchants met travel and hospitality frauds; account takeover was the second riskiest fraud. e-IDV solutions can improve the clients’ activity and satisfy them to the maximum.

What are Travel Scams?

Scammers hack tourist accounts and steal sensitive information, including account takeover, travel expense fraud, and fake online travel agencies. These crimes are increasing daily, and many tourists are affected by it.

How are e-iIDV Solutions Used to Enhance Client Satisfaction?

Fake identities do most scams, so eIDV for the travel industry can be integrated to allow only verified clients to affiliate with the business. Users have to stand in front of the camera, and the scanner verifies the face and then matches it with the formerly stored image in the database. The entire process is very smooth and user-friendly; as clients do not have to travel to the office for verification, it can be done anywhere. Customers are asked to upload scanned copies of their legal papers, documents including residential addresses, bank statements, and utility bills. Customers living in distant areas can be verified in the comfort of their homes; these facilities satisfy the users.

What is Travel Scam Prevention, and Why is it Necessary?

Fake agencies and credit cards perform most scams; these scams are getting more prominent daily. The tourists booked the hotel online, and after some time, when they visited the resort, they came to know that the booking was fake and there was no actual existence of the hotel. Credit scams include account decoding during online payments; this means when the users perform online transactions, the credit of their bank account is stolen, and later on, it is used for illicit purposes. The following steps can be taken to prevent travel fraud:

●       Understand the Travel Companies

Clients must keep updated knowledge of the companies and understand their changing trends. The recent information aids in reducing the probability of travel fraud.

●       Qualified Employees

Trained and experienced employees can help companies discourage fraudulent activities. As they can detect suspicious activities, most scams are performed by stolen identities, so experienced operators can quickly point out irregular acts.

●       Comply with e-IDV Solution.

Companies interested in satisfying their clients and providing smooth services comply with Know Your Customer (KYC). These biometrics reduce data breaches and money laundering, as only verified tourists will associate with the organization.

●       Onboard Clients through e-IDV

Businesses must comply with KYC regulations and integrate them into their regular activities. Tourism companies have to onboard their clients through biometrics, as this will reduce travel fraud. Only verified and authentic users will affiliate with the company; the best feature of these biometrics is that they continuously monitor their clients. In this way, the customers’ activities are known, mitigating travel fraud.

●       Money Laundering Prevention through Biometric

Some scammers perform money laundering through the hotels; travel frauds are highlighted these days. The resorts must integrate biometric solutions so that the entry of wanted criminals can be prohibited.

How Biometric is Different From Conventional Means?

In the travel industry, clients must submit many documents like visas, passports, identity cards, and residential addresses. This process was time-consuming and hectic, as travelers had to wait long for their turn. For booking flights or hotels, they had to visit the offices; this process takes precious time. But now the biometric system has regulated the daily activities of the visitor, as they can confirm their flights and hotel from the comfort of their home. In airports, travelers do not have to wait for their turn; the e-passport has resolved this issue. By just facing the camera, their immigration is done; this saves the time and resources of the individuals.

Conclusion

The tourism industry is getting into the limelight daily, but its dark side is travel fraud. Hospitality and tour companies can reduce these risks with e-IDV solutions. Customer satisfaction is enhanced, and organizations can retain their clients long-term with proper identity verification operations. A dramatic rise in the revenue of businesses integrating these solutions is observed because their daily operations are simplified. Data branches, money laundering, and cyber crimes are discouraged, as it is impractical to bypass the biometric system.

For more information on cutting-edge security solutions and related topics, explore our content on RedGif.

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