Italy's consumer watchdog warns of AI-fueled travel scams targeting vacation bookings

The consumer association Codacons says attempts to defraud travelers using artificial intelligence have surged 3,000% since 2022, affecting more than four million Italians and accounting for an estimated €22 billion in global tourism‑related fraud. Criminals use AI‑generated deep‑fake images and videos to advertise non‑existent holiday homes, clone the look of major booking platforms, circulate fake ultra‑cheap flight and car‑rental offers, and send WhatsApp messages that mimic hotel staff to steal credit‑card details. The scams also include AI‑created false reviews and invented travel guides.

Codacons advises consumers to treat unusually low‑price offers with suspicion, verify accommodation existence via Google Maps or official contact details, book only through recognised sites, avoid wire transfers or prepaid cards to private sellers, and never enter payment data through unsolicited links received on messaging apps.