Holiday Scams Coloradans Need to Be Looking Out For

With how busy every Coloradan seems to be for the holidays, criminals are very active, as well. They're even using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to scam us better than before.

Nothing is going to make you more upset than starting 2025 dealing with how you got conned over the holidays. Further, how about hearing from older family members after they, themselves get scammed?

The more we all know, the better our 2025s will be.

AI Being Used to Scam Coloradans During the Holidays

You've worked hard to be diligent when it comes to not "getting the wool pulled over your eyes," all year; don't let up just because the year is slowing down. Criminals ramp up their games this time of year.

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The team at AIPRM.com, a site that helps people use ChatGPT, put together a list of the top five AI-driven threats that travelers should look out for this holiday season. Five ways that "they" are out there, trying to get your money.

Data shows that travel-related scams are up a shocking 900% over the last 18 months; that is a lot of people falling for these scams, let's hope you can avoid these traps.

Look Out for Fake Airline and Hotel Booking Sites

AI is helping criminals create sites that are not legit, but look very legit, offering fantastic deals and limited offerings (only 1 left!) specials.

AIPRM says to:

Watch out for suspicious URLs, small spelling errors or anything that feels off about the website's design or offers. Double-check through official channels and read verified reviews before submitting your personal information. As a rule of thumb, if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

 RELATED: 'Tech Support' Scam Robs Colorado Couple of $30,000

Look Out for Chatbots Impersonating Customer Service Support

Criminals are using AI chatbots to impersonate customer service personnel that offer huge discounts on flights, hotel, and holiday packages. Next thing you know, they're asking for your payment information to get those deals.

AIPRM says to:

Verify any deals or offers you find online through official travel websites and avoid providing payment information through unfamiliar channels.

 

Look Out for Phishing Emails and Text Messages During the Holidays

More and more Coloradans are being suckered in by criminals' phishing emails and those text massage scams; AI is helping those criminals get better at them. For example, by sending you an email saying your flight is canceled "click here for more information.."

AIPRM says to:

Never click on suspicious links or provide sensitive information through unsolicited emails or texts. Always check the sender’s email address, and be cautious of any communication that asks for personal details. If in doubt, contact the airline, hotel, or travel agency directly.

 

Look Out for Fake Reviews on Travel Sites During the Holidays

 Criminals are using AI like ChatGP to create fake reviews. If a place has an unusually high number of extremely positive reviews, it's a red flag.

AIPRM says to:

Cross-check reviews across multiple sources and don’t rely solely on reviews from travel booking websites. Instead, check independent review platforms and social media for additional feedback.

 

MORE: New Scams in Colorado Involve Bitcoin

Look Out For Fake Travel Itineraries and AI-Generated Images During the Holidays

Criminals are using AI to create unbelievable holiday excursion itineraries with fake activities and fake photos, enticing you to the point that you're putting a deposit down on a trip that will never happen.

AIPRM says to:

Stay alert when presented with offers that seem too good to be true and verify the source. AI-generated itineraries may appear polished, but they often contain subtle inconsistencies. Check for missing or mismatched details and examine the photos closely - AI-generated images can have imperfections like unnatural lighting or blurry areas.