Fake blue screen used in hotel scams
- Cyberpeace Tech
- Jan 13
- 2 min read
The tourism sector has once again become an attractive target for cybercrime. In a recent campaign, groups of attackers have begun impersonating hotels and accommodation companies using a fake blue screen, designed to deceive unsuspecting employees and users.
Fake blue screen: a new digital scam
The attack begins with a fraudulent email that appears to be a booking cancellation notification. The message mimics the style of well-known accommodation platforms and warns of high charges, with amounts exceeding €1,000, in order to create urgency and psychological pressure.
By clicking on the button included (usually with text such as “See Details”), the victim is redirected to a fake website that simulates a booking system. An error message appears indicating that the load is taking too long.
When attempting to “solve” the problem, the user is taken to a fake blue screen, visually similar to the well-known Windows “blue screen of death.”
To get out of this supposed error, the site asks you to follow a series of technical steps. In reality, these actions cause the download of malware that allows attackers to spy on the device's activity, record keystrokes, steal passwords, copy information from the clipboard, and access other sensitive data.
This type of attack is based on a technique known as ClickFix, which exploits people's natural reaction to a system failure, leading them to execute commands without questioning their origin.
Why is this attack relevant to Mexico?
Although the campaign has been detected mainly in Europe, the scenario is entirely applicable to Mexico. The Mexican tourism industry is one of the most active in the world, especially during peak seasons, making it an ideal target for this type of fraud.
Hotels, travel agencies, and accommodation platforms in Mexico may face similar risks if they do not have adequate security controls, phishing detection training, and constant incident monitoring.
Furthermore, the use of credible visual techniques, such as the fake blue screen, demonstrates that today's attacks rely not only on technology but also on psychological manipulation.
A threat that combines deception and technology
Cybersecurity specialists warn that these types of campaigns are particularly dangerous because they combine social engineering with the abuse of legitimate system functions, making them difficult to detect early on.
Prevention begins with awareness: be wary of unexpected emails, avoid executing technical instructions from unknown sites, and have cybersecurity solutions in place that identify anomalous behavior before the damage is irreversible.
At Cyberpeace, we promote cybersecurity awareness and education as the first line of defense against increasingly sophisticated digital threats. Staying informed, identifying warning signs, and adopting best practices significantly reduces risks.
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