#Travel Call Centers

[callcenterss]

Transforming Customer Support with Travel BPO Services

Travel BPO Services (Business Process Outsourcing) provide travel agencies with the tools and resources they need to thrive in a fast-paced environment. By outsourcing essential functions, travel agencies can focus on their core services while enhancing customer satisfaction.

What are Travel BPO Services?

It encompass a range of outsourced services tailored specifically for the travel industry. These services often include customer support, booking management, itinerary planning, and more. With a dedicated team, travel agencies can ensure that they deliver top-notch service to their clients while managing costs effectively.

The Role of Travel Agency Call Centers

At the heart of Travel BPO Services are Travel Agency Call Centers. These call centers specialize in providing customer support for travel-related inquiries, bookings, and post-sales services. By employing trained professionals who understand the nuances of travel, these call centers ensure that customers receive accurate information and assistance.

The benefits are manifold and can handle a high volume of inquiries, manage bookings efficiently, and provide 24/7 support. This flexibility allows travel agencies to cater to clients across different time zones, enhancing the overall customer experience.

Advantages of Travel Call Centers

Travel Call Centers offer several advantages that can significantly impact a travel agency's operations:

Cost Efficiency: Outsourcing can lead to substantial cost savings. Agencies can reduce overhead costs associated with hiring, training, and maintaining an in-house team.

Expertise and Experience: It employ staff with specific expertise in travel-related services. Their experience ensures that customers receive knowledgeable support, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty.

Scalability: Agencies need a solution that can adapt. Travel call centers provide the flexibility to scale services up or down, depending on peak seasons or unexpected increases in demand.

Focus on Core Services: By outsourcing customer support and other functions, businesses can concentrate on their primary offerings, such as marketing, product development, and client relationship management.

Enhanced Customer Experience: With dedicated support teams, It can ensure quick response times and personalized service, leading to a positive customer experience. Happy customers are more likely to return and recommend the agency to others.

Call Centers for Travel Agency: A Strategic Partnership

Choosing the right Call Centers is crucial for maximizing the benefits of Travel BPO Services. A successful partnership should align with the agency's goals and values. Here are some tips for selecting the right call center:

Industry Knowledge: Look for a call center that specializes in travel services and has a deep understanding of the industry.

Technology Integration: Ensure the call center uses advanced technology for seamless communication and efficient booking management.

Flexibility and Customization: The best call centers will offer customized solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Quality Assurance: Check for quality assurance measures, including regular training and customer feedback mechanisms.

Conclusion

In summary, Travel BPO Services are essential for modern travel agencies looking to enhance their operations and customer service. By utilizing Travel Agency Call Centers, Travel Call Centers, and other outsourcing solutions, agencies can reduce costs, improve efficiency, and focus on delivering exceptional experiences to their clients. Embracing these services not only boosts operational effectiveness but also positions travel agencies for sustainable growth in an ever-evolving industry. If you're ready to elevate your travel business, consider partnering with a reputable travel BPO service provider today!

[isa-ah]

some silly worldbuilding doodles for bullwaerk

[alxastrx]

When you're one of the most selfish mc who only saves people because it's part of a job you never wanted and did not get to chose or you would've died, who took your co-workers' morals and ideals because you didn't have any and desperately wanted to fit in somewhere, be it with the heroes or the villains, who's activelly haunted by one the most tragic past to have been created and suffer from a psychosis so bad (dare I say schizophrenia) that even your enemies acknowledged that you are mentally ill and objectively flawed in your judgement, never hesitated to try to kill anyone and has the most egoistic reason to be a good person but the fandom still thinks you're just a kind crybaby "I don't know what a gun is" homosexual twink.

[damian-lil-babybat]

HC: Top 5 cases the Batboys take from Batman's Case Files

Being a member of the Bat Family, problems finds you, often times with catastrophic consequences. And more often than not, it is delegated by Batman. But still, any member is free to take on any cases from the Batcomputer's case files, sometimes for fun, often times coz it's their calling.

So here are the top five cases, the Batboys usually takes out from Batman's case files.

DAMIAN AL GHUL WAYNE • Anything al Ghul related cases • Cases involving underground assassin and mercenary groups • Cases involving the demonic, the occult and mystic arts • Animal abuse cases • Cases involving minor children, clones, and multiverse version of villains, anti-heroes, and superheroes (mainly of Batman and Superman)

TIMOTHY DRAKE • White collar crimes (as Wayne CEO) • Cold cases of Batman • Anything time-warping and dimensional or multiversal related cases • Anything Batman related cases  (notably those when Batman goes off-grid, etc.) • Cases involving teen children, clones, and multiverse version of villains, anti-heroes, and superheroes (mainly of Batman and Superman)

JASON TODD • Gotham related cases (notably those involving women and children) • Cases involving syndicated crimes (committed by crimelords, mafia bosses, etc.) • Cases involving unauthorized vigilantes and superhero activities in Gotham • Cases involving rehabilitation of ex-criminals and goons of Gotham • Anything Batman related cases (notably those when Batman is the problem, and when other Wayne kids are involved)

RICHARD GRAYSON • Bludhaven related cases • Cases involving systemic crimes (committed by the powerful and the influential of Gotham) • Anything inter-States, international, intergalactical related cases (notably those involving aliens, i.e. alien invasions, diplomatic relations, etc.) • Anything Batfam-member related cases (notably when any member is the problem...mostly Batman) • Cases involving adult children, clones, and multiverse version of villains, anti-heroes, and superheroes (mainly of Batman and Superman)

DUKE THOMAS • Gotham related day-time crimes • Meta-humans related cases • Cases involving 'Wayne Family Members' (notably saving them from would-be kidnappers and terrorists) • Cases involving safety and evacuation of civillians (notably when JLA-related threat comes to Gotham) • Cases when Gotham faces another apocalyptic threat (notably those when the 'Wayne Family Members' are involved)

[spherekuriboh]

the difference between the triumph in 'i found you!' and the shame in 'you've found me.' is proof enough!!!

[iniziare]

Re-tag drop: Yelan

[askathewierdo]

I'm calling it now. The next Gen is going to ship Zuko and Aang.

[contactcallcenter]

How Outsourcing Travel Customer Service Boosts Customer Satisfaction

In the fast-paced and often complex world of travel, customer service reigns supreme. A seamless booking experience, prompt assistance with flight changes, and empathetic handling of unexpected disruptions can make or break a traveler's journey. For travel agencies, airlines, and online booking platforms, maintaining exceptional customer service is not just a good practice—it’s a crucial differentiator that drives loyalty and positive brand perception. In this competitive landscape, many travel businesses are increasingly turning to Travel Customer Service Outsourcing as a strategic solution to elevate their customer support and boost overall satisfaction.

The inherent challenges within the travel industry make top-tier customer service particularly demanding. Travel plans are dynamic, often involving numerous touchpoints, from booking and pre-trip inquiries to ongoing support during travel and post-trip follow-ups. Moreover, travelers frequently operate in different time zones and may require assistance at any hour. This 24/7, globally-minded need creates immense pressure on internal resources, leading many companies to seek specialized help.

That's where Travel Call Center outsourcing comes into play. By partnering with dedicated customer service providers, travel businesses gain access to expert agents, advanced technologies, and streamlined processes that are designed to enhance every interaction.

The Multifaceted Benefits of Travel Customer Service Outsourcing:

Outsourcing isn't just about saving money; it's about investing in strategic advantages that directly impact customer satisfaction. Here’s a closer look at the key benefits:

24/7/365 Availability: The travel industry never sleeps, and neither should customer service. Outsourced call centers are often structured to provide round-the-clock support, ensuring that travelers can get help whenever they need it, regardless of the time zone. This constant availability significantly improves customer experience, especially during unforeseen travel disruptions that can occur at any hour.

Multilingual Support: With travelers coming from all corners of the globe, offering multilingual support is critical. Outsourced partners can provide access to agents who speak various languages, allowing you to serve a more diverse customer base, break down communication barriers, and build trust. This inclusivity is a powerful lever for improving satisfaction scores and positive word-of-mouth.

Specialized Travel Expertise: Travel call centers often house agents who are specifically trained in travel-related processes, booking systems (GDS), and common travel issues. This specialized knowledge enables them to resolve queries efficiently and accurately the first time, which is crucial for reducing customer frustration. Whether it's a flight cancellation, a baggage issue, or questions about visa requirements, these agents are equipped to handle diverse situations with professionalism and competence.

Scalable Support: The travel industry is highly seasonal, with peak periods during holidays and school breaks. Outsourcing allows businesses to scale their customer service operations up or down based on fluctuating demand, preventing overstaffing during slow periods and understaffing during peak times. This agility leads to better resource management and consistent service levels.

Advanced Technology & Infrastructure: Reputable outsourcing providers invest in the latest technology and infrastructure, including advanced CRM systems, ticketing platforms, and automated call routing. This advanced infrastructure allows for smoother, more efficient customer interactions, reducing wait times and improving resolution rates. These technological investments can be costly for in-house teams to manage independently.

Focus on Core Business Activities: By offloading customer service to experts, travel companies can free up internal resources to focus on core business activities, such as product development, marketing, and strategy. This can lead to innovation and enhanced competitiveness.

Enhanced Customer Experience: At its core, outsourcing is designed to create a better customer experience. Faster response times, accurate information, and empathetic support all contribute to higher satisfaction levels, greater loyalty and positive reviews. This is the most powerful argument for making the transition.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Travel Customer Service Outsourcing Partner:

Selecting the right Travel Customer Service Outsourcing partner is paramount to ensure success. Consider these essential factors:

Experience: Does the provider have a proven track record in the travel industry? Do they understand the unique challenges and nuances of travel customer support?

Technology: What tools and platforms do they use? Are they compatible with your systems and processes?

Agent Training: Are their agents well-trained in travel-related topics, communication skills, and cultural sensitivity?

Scalability: Can they easily scale their services to meet your fluctuating needs?

Security and Compliance: Do they adhere to industry standards and data protection regulations?

Communication and Reporting: How will they communicate with you? How will they report on customer service performance?

Cost-effectiveness: Is their pricing transparent and aligned with the value they provide?

Conclusion: Investing in Customer Satisfaction with Outsourcing

In the competitive world of travel, customer service is not just an operational function; it's a powerful tool for building brand loyalty and driving growth. By embracing Travel Customer Service Outsourcing, travel companies can unlock significant benefits, including 24/7 availability, multilingual support, specialized expertise, scalable resources, and advanced technology. These advantages ultimately contribute to a superior customer experience, translating to greater customer satisfaction and a healthier bottom line.

Choosing the right partner is an investment in success. When implemented effectively, Travel Call Center outsourcing becomes a strategic asset, empowering travel businesses to consistently exceed customer expectations and build long-lasting relationships in an industry where the journey matters just as much as the destination. As travel continues to evolve, ensuring exceptional customer support will remain a crucial factor in the success of every travel enterprise.

[aptechvisaglobalimmigration]

Tourist visa for Australia from India price.

Australia is arguably one of the most popular dream destinations for many travellers here in India. Still, before getting swept away planning beach days in Bondi or safaris of wildlife in the Outback, there is truly an essential first step that involves understanding the cost required to attain an Australian tourist visa. This article describes in detail the important things to know regarding tourist visa fees, additional charges, and factors impacting the overall cost of your Australian adventure. That's why it is necessary to ensure that the budget can be considered for travelling fun and the requirements of a visa all at once.

Understanding the Basic Australia Tourist Visa Fees for Indians 

Well, first things first, you'll want the standard Visitor Visa, which is called Subclass 600. This will permit you to visit for a few months, and here is its cost:

Standard Visa Fee: AUD $195 (approximately INR 10,800)

The base price does have some variation regarding exchange rates, but presently it is approximately 10,800 INR for Indian tourists. The fee covers processing for one tourist visa application.

Additional Fees You Should Consider 

Visa Center Service Charges

If applying via a visa application centre, you will also need to pay service charges. The service fee ranges from INR 1,000-2,000, depending upon the centre and the type of service chosen.

 Consultancy Fees

Visa consultancies charge another fee for professional services, depending on the level of service. Optional, but could be an extra investment to ensure everything works smoothly for your application process.

How Long Does the Visa Last?

Most of the tourist visas issued to travel to Australia are for 3, 6, or 12 months. The period of your visa, in most instances, does not affect the cost, as all these periods are covered by AUD $195. The only additional requirements may include a medical examination for longer stays, which may add to the costs.

Important Tips to Control Visa Costs

Apply Early: Visa fees are not refundable, so give yourself sufficient time not to rush through the process. Early application means less stress about missed flights or delayed trips.

Always have some leeway in your budget for contingencies that may come up in the process, especially for things like biometrics or medical examinations when one intends to stay longer in Australia.

Exchange rates are your friends: Since the fees are in AUD, a great exchange rate could save some bucks; therefore, keep an eye on the best rates to get the most for your INR.

Get Assistance If Need Be: Sometimes the criteria for a Visa become overly complicated, and if the application gets denied, then that just means starting from scratch with extra fees. It would make better sense to consult a visa professional while applying whenever one isn't sure about something.

 

How Aptech Visa Makes Your Tourist Visa Application Process to Australia Quite Smooth

1. Personalized Roadmap: Aptech Visa develops a detailed plan for the visa application that is only tailored to your unique travel requirements and schedule. 2. Lightning-Fast Support: If you have questions or request additional documentation, you will get assistance right away. The less ping-pong there is, the better. 3. Simplified Document Checks: To help you avoid mistakes and unplanned resubmissions, our staff double-checks every document. 4. Priority Scheduling: To save you the trouble of scheduling your appointment, we schedule your biometrics and medical. 5. Real-Time Updates: You will always be informed thanks to proactive updates about the status of your application. 6. Hassle-Free Submission: We will handle the entire submission on your behalf, making sure that everything is provided in compliance with the particular immigration regulations in Australia. 7. Follow Through Post-Submission: Our staff monitors the progress of your application every day to let you know if anything changes or if there are any next steps. 8. Optimize Currency Rate: To reduce the total cost, pay the visa fee at favourable currency rates, which we will let you know about in advance. 9. Hands-Free Checklist: To ensure you are ready for your move and avoid any last-minute surprises, we give you a well-structured checklist. 10. Personalized Visa Consultation: Depending on your travel situation and visa type, you will receive a customized one-on-one consultation. You can focus on the vacation rather than the paperwork by using the previously described methods of organizing to guarantee effectiveness and lower stress.

Now, go enjoy the beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, and the different varieties of Australian wildlife! From the cost of a visa itself to additional expenses, we hope this guide was helpful for you to get an idea about the financial aspect of your adventure. With Aptech Visa guiding you through the process, rest assured that your application will be dealt with care so you can spend more time planning the fun parts of your trip.

Want to get started? Contact Aptech Visa at info@aptechvisa.com   or call 7503832132  to get professional assistance for your Australian Tourist Visa Application. Let us bring you closer to Australia!

For more information, you can refer to  https://www.aptechvisa.com/tourist-visa-australia

[travelsbackoffice]

Optimizing Business Travel: Effective Strategies for Management and Efficiency

Discover the art of seamless business travel management with our comprehensive guide. From cost-effective booking solutions to streamlined itinerary planning, we offer practical insights to enhance efficiency and productivity on your corporate journeys. Learn how to navigate travel policies, leverage technology for smoother experiences, and prioritize traveler satisfaction. Elevate your travel management game and unlock the full potential of your business ventures.

[kahitmagandanasasaktanrin]

Don't miss the opportunity ✨

GUARANTEE 1 DAY PROCESS 💯

SILVER CITY | 26,000

— 1 YR TRAVEL EXPERIENCE

Kindly fill out the form : https://lnkd.in/g6hR84Yq

Send your CV : paolinne.1895@gmail.com

VIBER +639367227133

[oldmanlusting]

Okay gamers I need your help should I push for sharing a hotel room OR a cottage with my crush because apparently we might have Options

[travelcallcenteroutsourcing]

Outsourcing travel call center services involves partnering with specialized companies to handle customer inquiries, bookings, and support related to travel arrangements.

[travelhelpdeskservice]

The Travel Help Desk is a premier service provider dedicated to ensuring seamless and stress-free travel experiences. With a commitment to customer satisfaction, our knowledgeable and friendly team offers expert guidance on flights, accommodations, and travel logistics. Whether it's navigating complex itineraries, securing the best deals, or addressing unforeseen challenges, our 24/7 support ensures travelers have a reliable ally every step of the way.

[travelagencycallcenters]

Travel agency call centers serve as vital hubs for trip planning and support. Experienced agents offer personalized assistance, in booking flights, accommodations, and activities. They provide real-time information, address queries, and ensure seamless travel experiences. With a focus on customer satisfaction, these call centers enhance travel planning with expert guidance and reliable service.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

How I got scammed

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/02/05/cyber-dunning-kruger/#swiss-cheese-security

I wuz robbed.

More specifically, I was tricked by a phone-phisher pretending to be from my bank, and he convinced me to hand over my credit-card number, then did $8,000+ worth of fraud with it before I figured out what happened. And then he tried to do it again, a week later!

Here's what happened. Over the Christmas holiday, I traveled to New Orleans. The day we landed, I hit a Chase ATM in the French Quarter for some cash, but the machine declined the transaction. Later in the day, we passed a little credit-union's ATM and I used that one instead (I bank with a one-branch credit union and generally there's no fee to use another CU's ATM).

A couple days later, I got a call from my credit union. It was a weekend, during the holiday, and the guy who called was obviously working for my little CU's after-hours fraud contractor. I'd dealt with these folks before – they service a ton of little credit unions, and generally the call quality isn't great and the staff will often make mistakes like mispronouncing my credit union's name.

That's what happened here – the guy was on a terrible VOIP line and I had to ask him to readjust his mic before I could even understand him. He mispronounced my bank's name and then asked if I'd attempted to spend $1,000 at an Apple Store in NYC that day. No, I said, and groaned inwardly. What a pain in the ass. Obviously, I'd had my ATM card skimmed – either at the Chase ATM (maybe that was why the transaction failed), or at the other credit union's ATM (it had been a very cheap looking system).

I told the guy to block my card and we started going through the tedious business of running through recent transactions, verifying my identity, and so on. It dragged on and on. These were my last hours in New Orleans, and I'd left my family at home and gone out to see some of the pre-Mardi Gras krewe celebrations and get a muffalata, and I could tell that I was going to run out of time before I finished talking to this guy.

"Look," I said, "you've got all my details, you've frozen the card. I gotta go home and meet my family and head to the airport. I'll call you back on the after-hours number once I'm through security, all right?"

He was frustrated, but that was his problem. I hung up, got my sandwich, went to the airport, and we checked in. It was total chaos: an Alaska Air 737 Max had just lost its door-plug in mid-air and every Max in every airline's fleet had been grounded, so the check in was crammed with people trying to rebook. We got through to the gate and I sat down to call the CU's after-hours line. The person on the other end told me that she could only handle lost and stolen cards, not fraud, and given that I'd already frozen the card, I should just drop by the branch on Monday to get a new card.

We flew home, and later the next day, I logged into my account and made a list of all the fraudulent transactions and printed them out, and on Monday morning, I drove to the bank to deal with all the paperwork. The folks at the CU were even more pissed than I was. The fraud that run up to more than $8,000, and if Visa refused to take it out of the merchants where the card had been used, my little credit union would have to eat the loss.

I agreed and commiserated. I also pointed out that their outsource, after-hours fraud center bore some blame here: I'd canceled the card on Saturday but most of the fraud had taken place on Sunday. Something had gone wrong.

One cool thing about banking at a tiny credit-union is that you end up talking to people who have actual authority, responsibility and agency. It turned out the the woman who was processing my fraud paperwork was a VP, and she decided to look into it. A few minutes later she came back and told me that the fraud center had no record of having called me on Saturday.

"That was the fraudster," she said.

Oh, shit. I frantically rewound my conversation, trying to figure out if this could possibly be true. I hadn't given him anything apart from some very anodyne info, like what city I live in (which is in my Wikipedia entry), my date of birth (ditto), and the last four digits of my card.

Wait a sec.

He hadn't asked for the last four digits. He'd asked for the last seven digits. At the time, I'd found that very frustrating, but now – "The first nine digits are the same for every card you issue, right?" I asked the VP.

I'd given him my entire card number.

Goddammit.

The thing is, I know a lot about fraud. I'm writing an entire series of novels about this kind of scam:

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250865878/thebezzle

And most summers, I go to Defcon, and I always go to the "social engineering" competitions where an audience listens as a hacker in a soundproof booth cold-calls merchants (with the owner's permission) and tries to con whoever answers the phone into giving up important information.

But I'd been conned.

Now look, I knew I could be conned. I'd been conned before, 13 years ago, by a Twitter worm that successfully phished out of my password via DM:

https://locusmag.com/2010/05/cory-doctorow-persistence-pays-parasites/

That scam had required a miracle of timing. It started the day before, when I'd reset my phone to factory defaults and reinstalled all my apps. That same day, I'd published two big online features that a lot of people were talking about. The next morning, we were late getting out of the house, so by the time my wife and I dropped the kid at daycare and went to the coffee shop, it had a long line. Rather than wait in line with me, my wife sat down to read a newspaper, and so I pulled out my phone and found a Twitter DM from a friend asking "is this you?" with a URL.

Assuming this was something to do with those articles I'd published the day before, I clicked the link and got prompted for my Twitter login again. This had been happening all day because I'd done that mobile reinstall the day before and all my stored passwords had been wiped. I entered it but the page timed out. By that time, the coffees were ready. We sat and chatted for a bit, then went our own ways.

I was on my way to the office when I checked my phone again. I had a whole string of DMs from other friends. Each one read "is this you?" and had a URL.

Oh, shit, I'd been phished.

If I hadn't reinstalled my mobile OS the day before. If I hadn't published a pair of big articles the day before. If we hadn't been late getting out the door. If we had been a little more late getting out the door (so that I'd have seen the multiple DMs, which would have tipped me off).

There's a name for this in security circles: "Swiss-cheese security." Imagine multiple slices of Swiss cheese all stacked up, the holes in one slice blocked by the slice below it. All the slices move around and every now and again, a hole opens up that goes all the way through the stack. Zap!

The fraudster who tricked me out of my credit card number had Swiss cheese security on his side. Yes, he spoofed my bank's caller ID, but that wouldn't have been enough to fool me if I hadn't been on vacation, having just used a pair of dodgy ATMs, in a hurry and distracted. If the 737 Max disaster hadn't happened that day and I'd had more time at the gate, I'd have called my bank back. If my bank didn't use a slightly crappy outsource/out-of-hours fraud center that I'd already had sub-par experiences with. If, if, if.

The next Friday night, at 5:30PM, the fraudster called me back, pretending to be the bank's after-hours center. He told me my card had been compromised again. But: I hadn't removed my card from my wallet since I'd had it replaced. Also, it was half an hour after the bank closed for the long weekend, a very fraud-friendly time. And when I told him I'd call him back and asked for the after-hours fraud number, he got very threatening and warned me that because I'd now been notified about the fraud that any losses the bank suffered after I hung up the phone without completing the fraud protocol would be billed to me. I hung up on him. He called me back immediately. I hung up on him again and put my phone into do-not-disturb.

The following Tuesday, I called my bank and spoke to their head of risk-management. I went through everything I'd figured out about the fraudsters, and she told me that credit unions across America were being hit by this scam, by fraudsters who somehow knew CU customers' phone numbers and names, and which CU they banked at. This was key: my phone number is a reasonably well-kept secret. You can get it by spending money with Equifax or another nonconsensual doxing giant, but you can't just google it or get it at any of the free services. The fact that the fraudsters knew where I banked, knew my name, and had my phone number had really caused me to let down my guard.

The risk management person and I talked about how the credit union could mitigate this attack: for example, by better-training the after-hours card-loss staff to be on the alert for calls from people who had been contacted about supposed card fraud. We also went through the confusing phone-menu that had funneled me to the wrong department when I called in, and worked through alternate wording for the menu system that would be clearer (this is the best part about banking with a small CU – you can talk directly to the responsible person and have a productive discussion!). I even convinced her to buy a ticket to next summer's Defcon to attend the social engineering competitions.

There's a leak somewhere in the CU systems' supply chain. Maybe it's Zelle, or the small number of corresponding banks that CUs rely on for SWIFT transaction forwarding. Maybe it's even those after-hours fraud/card-loss centers. But all across the USA, CU customers are getting calls with spoofed caller IDs from fraudsters who know their registered phone numbers and where they bank.

I've been mulling this over for most of a month now, and one thing has really been eating at me: the way that AI is going to make this kind of problem much worse.

Not because AI is going to commit fraud, though.

One of the truest things I know about AI is: "we're nowhere near a place where bots can steal your job, we're certainly at the point where your boss can be suckered into firing you and replacing you with a bot that fails at doing your job":

https://pluralistic.net/2024/01/15/passive-income-brainworms/#four-hour-work-week

I trusted this fraudster specifically because I knew that the outsource, out-of-hours contractors my bank uses have crummy headsets, don't know how to pronounce my bank's name, and have long-ass, tedious, and pointless standardized questionnaires they run through when taking fraud reports. All of this created cover for the fraudster, whose plausibility was enhanced by the rough edges in his pitch - they didn't raise red flags.

As this kind of fraud reporting and fraud contacting is increasingly outsourced to AI, bank customers will be conditioned to dealing with semi-automated systems that make stupid mistakes, force you to repeat yourself, ask you questions they should already know the answers to, and so on. In other words, AI will groom bank customers to be phishing victims.

This is a mistake the finance sector keeps making. 15 years ago, Ben Laurie excoriated the UK banks for their "Verified By Visa" system, which validated credit card transactions by taking users to a third party site and requiring them to re-enter parts of their password there:

https://web.archive.org/web/20090331094020/http://www.links.org/?p=591

This is exactly how a phishing attack works. As Laurie pointed out, this was the banks training their customers to be phished.

I came close to getting phished again today, as it happens. I got back from Berlin on Friday and my suitcase was damaged in transit. I've been dealing with the airline, which means I've really been dealing with their third-party, outsource luggage-damage service. They have a terrible website, their emails are incoherent, and they officiously demand the same information over and over again.

This morning, I got a scam email asking me for more information to complete my damaged luggage claim. It was a terrible email, from a noreply@ email address, and it was vague, officious, and dishearteningly bureaucratic. For just a moment, my finger hovered over the phishing link, and then I looked a little closer.

On any other day, it wouldn't have had a chance. Today – right after I had my luggage wrecked, while I'm still jetlagged, and after days of dealing with my airline's terrible outsource partner – it almost worked.

So much fraud is a Swiss-cheese attack, and while companies can't close all the holes, they can stop creating new ones.

Meanwhile, I'll continue to post about it whenever I get scammed. I find the inner workings of scams to be fascinating, and it's also important to remind people that everyone is vulnerable sometimes, and scammers are willing to try endless variations until an attack lands at just the right place, at just the right time, in just the right way. If you think you can't get scammed, that makes you especially vulnerable:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/24/passive-income/#swiss-cheese-security

Image: Cryteria (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HAL9000.svg

CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en