Overview
- The ministry says criminals are now actively exploiting companion-seeking posts for routes that start in remote or hard-to-reach localities.
- In chats and specialized travel communities, scammers publish carpool offers to attract responses and identify potential victims.
- Once someone replies, the exchange is shifted to a messenger, where a phishing link is sent under the pretext of reserving a seat.
- Officials also note outreach to users in travel groups by impostors posing as tour operators who build rapport before pitching low-priced tickets.
- Authorities advise planning trips in advance, using official carriers, booking on trusted resources, paying at an operator’s office upon receiving services, and checking information and reviews.