***Excepted from Direct Travel Leisure Alerts***

Direct Travel has identified an active scam campaign targeting travel advisors through unsolicited requests for Zoom, Teams, FaceTime, or Google Meet meetings. 

The Scenario: 

Bad actors are posing as legitimate “new clients” and asking to have a video meeting – and they want to send you the link to connect. 

They are attempting to trick you into clicking meeting links, accepting outside meeting invitations, or interacting with malicious content during meetings. Do not click on any links that a potential client sends you. 

The link they are sending you is designed to gain access to your computer and steal credentials or install something on your computer to take it over. 

This is a serious security risk. 

If you are suspicious of anything, stop what you are doing and report it  immediately 

Please continue to read to learn about best practices to avoid falling prey to these bad actors: 

Key Rule: Advisors Must Always Initiate Meetings 

Never accept an outside meeting request from a client or unknown sender. 

Direct Travel advisors should always: 

·         Create the meeting invitation themselves 

·         Send the official meeting link directly to the client 

·         Use only approved Agency communication methods 

If someone contacts you and says: 

“Here is my Zoom link — please join…” 

Do not click it. Do not accept it. 

Suspicious Behavior: Pushback Is a Red Flag 

If a “client” insists on using their meeting link instead of yours, do not proceed. 

A legitimate client will not object to joining a meeting you schedule. 

Bad actors may respond with: 

·         “It has to be my Zoom link” 

·         “Just click this one quickly” 

·         “I can’t access your meeting invite” 

·         “This is the only way we can talk” 

If they push back or pressure you, stop engagement immediately and report it. 

Common Signs of a Scam Meeting Request 

Be alert if the sender: 

·         Claims they “found you on Google” with no details 

·         Pushes immediately for a video call before discussing travel needs 

·         Avoids answering basic verification questions 

·         Has no online presence or history 

·         Sends vague or urgent meeting requests late at night 

·         Uses free Gmail/Yahoo accounts for “high value” travel planning 

What You Should Do Instead (Safe Process) 

If a client requests a call: 

1.      Offer a phone conversation first 

2.      If video is appropriate, schedule it yourself 

3.      Send the client your Company–approved meeting invite 

4.      Do not join meetings hosted or controlled by unknown external parties 

5.      Never open links or files shared during early interactions 

If You Receive a Suspicious Request 

Do not click any links. 

Immediately: 

·         Decline the meeting request 

·         Stop responding 

·         Report the email or invite to your manager

Early reporting helps protect other advisors. 

Bottom Line 

You are the professional — you control the meeting. 

·         Never accept outside meeting invites 

·         Treat pushback as suspicious 

·         Never enter Agency credentials into external meeting platforms 

·         Never click links or open files shared during meetings 

·         When in doubt: decline and report