How and Why Travel Scammers and Hackers Catch Travelers Out

Traveling can be an exciting experience, but it also comes with risks if you don’t take proper precautions. Scammers and hackers specifically target travelers who may be more vulnerable or unaware of common travel scams. Here’s an overview of how these criminals operate and why their tactics are often successful at catching travelers off guard.

Common Travel Scams to Watch Out For

Fake Airline Sites

Scammers create convincing fake airline websites that show up in search results when you look for flights. The sites look legit but are designed to steal your personal and payment information. Double check the URL and confirm it’s the real airline site before booking. 

Counterfeit Booking Sites

Similarly, fake hotel and rental booking sites scam users into thinking they’ve booked a room or home, but it’s a scheme to steal your money without providing the actual booking. Verify the site is real before entering info.

Airport Ambushers

Criminals pretending to be taxi or limo drivers approach arriving travelers with offers for rides. But they may charge outrageous fees or drive you somewhere dangerous instead of your real destination. Arrange rides beforehand.

Rigged ATM

Fraudsters attach skimming devices to ATMs, especially in tourist areas, that can capture your card information when you withdraw cash. Use ATMs only at reputable banks to avoid this.

Pickpockets and Bag Theft 

Crowded tourist spots are ripe for pickpockets who will steal wallets, phones, passports, and luggage if you’re not careful. Keep valuables secured and hidden.

Why Travel Scams Succeed

These types of scams succeed for several reasons related to the typical mindset and habits of travelers:

You’re Distracted 

Between navigating a new place and planning your itinerary, it’s easy for scammers to catch you off guard or exploit lapses in judgment. Stay alert in crowded areas.

You’re In a Hurry

Travelers are often rushing from one place to another. Scammers take advantage of this by making impulsive offers for rides, tours, or other services you may accept without due diligence.

Your Guard is Down

Being on vacation often means relaxing and letting your guard down. But tourists look like easy targets to schemers, so you can’t afford to be overly trusting or casual with personal information.  

Oversharing on Social Media

As Bob Bachelor from Flying Angels says in an article on the booking.com loyalty account hack, oversharing online can lead to identity theft and targeted attacks that affect travelers. 

You Want a Deal

Who doesn’t want a bargain on travel? Scammers lure in victims by offering prices on tours, transportation, and lodging that sound too good to be true…because they usually are.

You Don’t Know the Locale

An unfamiliar environment makes it easier for scammers to pull tricks tourists aren’t aware of. Research common scams at your destination.

You’re Carrying Valuables

With wallets, phones, cameras, and passports on hand, travelers carry items ripe for theft. Minimize what you carry to reduce the risk.

By learning their tactics and exercising extra caution, you can avoid falling prey to travel scammers. Do your research, confirm vendors are legitimate, secure belongings properly, and trust your instincts to stay safe.

Photo by Shifaaz shamoon on Unsplash