When traveling, you may worry after hearing stories about pickpockets or watching videos on YouTube. You may buy a cross-chest bag to prevent the straps from slipping off your shoulders, or wear a waist pack facing your stomach to protect your wallet and passport. But information is valuable to avoid situations that could ruin your vacation, or at least ruin it badly. Computer security company McAfee has published a list of common travel scams to help you stay vigilant while away from home and vulnerable.
1. Beware of identity theft. Someone may pretend to be a hotel staff member, tour guide, or other traveler to gain your trust and trick you into handing over valuable information or even your luggage. For example, if someone approaches you claiming to be a hotel employee, don't be afraid to ask for identification. Even better, call the hotel directly (with a number you have, not one they give you) to verify.
2. Beware of phishing. Similarly, be wary of emails that appear to be sent from hotels, banks or airlines – you could be tricked into divulging sensitive information or downloading malware. Don't click on any links, and contact the real organisation using the contact information on their official website.
3. Be careful with public WiFi networks. Having to check your email is annoying, but free networks can also be a trap. What can hackers get at? Your login credentials, credit card information, personal messages, etc. Never conduct financial transactions over public WiFi. Instead, use a VPN to encrypt your connection.
4. Share your vacation photos and itinerary plans only when you get home. Sure, it's fun to share pictures on the spot, but it lets thieves and cybercriminals know where you are. If they're there, too, it could get them in trouble. You can also customize your phishing attack to make it more convincing. There's also an implicit danger: it lets people know you're not at home, which could be the perfect time for a burglar.
5. Take a few steps to harden your personal information before you head out. Having had my Instagram hacked while on holiday, I wholeheartedly recommend installing two-step verification before a hacker does. Nothing is more frustrating than having login codes sent to someone else's phone. McAfee also recommends using different passwords for each account instead of entering the same one for every account, making sure all your software is up to date, covering your hands when using ATMs to prevent hidden cameras (or anyone nearby) from seeing your PIN, and keeping an eye on your accounts while you're out so you can take immediate action if anything suspicious happens.
But don't let these worries ruin your fun: scams do exist, but with common sense and a bit of luck, you can easily have a great vacation and come home with some worthwhile purchases and experiences, emptying your wallet, not the scammer's.
