(Yes, even your practice manager’s vacation plans could put your systems at risk)
Summer’s coming fast. Your hygienist is planning a cruise, your office manager is booking a hotel for that CE event, and you’re dreaming of unplugging for a few days. But there’s a new scam making the rounds — and it could undo years of work in a single click.
Cybercriminals are sending fake travel confirmation e-mails that look 100% real.
If anyone on your team clicks one, it could compromise your entire dental practice.
🎣 The Travel Scam That’s Catching Dental Offices Off Guard
Hackers are sending out phishing e-mails that look like they’re from trusted brands — Delta, Expedia, Marriott, and more. These messages are polished, professional, and panic-inducing. They’re designed to trick even your most detail-oriented team member.
Real-Looking Subject Lines Include:
- “Your Flight Itinerary Has Changed – Click Here For Updates”
- “Action Required: Confirm Your Hotel Stay”
- “Final Step: Complete Your Rental Car Reservation”
Once clicked, the link takes the reader to a fake login page, where hackers collect sensitive info — airline logins, credit card numbers, even access to business e-mail accounts.
🔐 One Wrong Click Can Put Your Practice at Risk
Here’s what makes these scams especially dangerous for dental practices:
- They look legit. The e-mails are branded perfectly, often using the correct logos, fonts, and formatting.
- They play on urgency. A “flight change” or “hotel issue” creates just enough panic to skip double-checking.
- They’re sneakily targeted. Dental offices often rely on a single person to manage all bookings and inboxes. That’s a lot of pressure — and a prime target.
One of the biggest red flags? The sender’s e-mail address.
A real e-mail might come from:
📧 support@delta.com
But a fake one could come from:
⚠️ support@deltacom.com
One small letter off — and your team could be handing over logins, financial info, or worse.
🏥 What’s At Stake for a Dental Practice?
If your practice manager falls for a phishing link while booking a hotel for the Garden State Dental Conference, your practice could face:
- Stolen business credit card details
- Locked-out airline or hotel accounts
- Malware installed on practice systems
- Potential HIPAA violations if sensitive systems are compromised
🛡️ How to Keep Your Dental Team Safe
✅ 1. Go Direct to the Website
Always type travel URLs directly into your browser (e.g., delta.com or expedia.com). Never click a link in an unexpected e-mail.
✅ 2. Scrutinize the Sender
Look closely at the full e-mail address. @deltacom.com is not the same as @delta.com.
✅ 3. Train Your Front Desk Team
Anyone who handles reservations or office e-mail must know how to spot phishing attempts. Role-play scenarios or use real-life examples in your training.
✅ 4. Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
If login credentials do get stolen, MFA can be the final barrier that stops unauthorized access.
✅ 5. Use Business-Class E-mail Security
Spam filters and link scanning can help prevent malicious messages from ever reaching your inbox.
🧘♀️ Want Peace of Mind?
You’re already managing enough — patients, staffing, insurance claims, compliance deadlines. You shouldn’t have to worry about your front desk accidentally opening the wrong e-mail.
That’s where we come in.
Network Brainiacs works exclusively with dental practices across New Jersey. We understand your workflow, your software, and your compliance concerns. We don’t just install antivirus and disappear — we proactively protect your practice every day.
🆓 Book a FREE Cybersecurity Assessment
Let’s identify your biggest risks (like phishing exposure) and help you close the gaps — fast.
