4 Dos and Don'ts to Keep You Safe from Scams This Summer
As summer travel demand rises, it is important to be on the lookout for pesky travel scams while planning your summer trips.
According to recent research from McAfee, over one in three Americans have come across a travel-related cyberthreat, with 41% of those who’ve engaged with the hoax having lost money, often topping $500.
Take a look at the 4 Dos and 4 Don'ts below to keep in mind this summer.
1. Public Wi-Fi
DON'T use sensitive accounts, such as financial apps, with public Wi-Fi at the airport or hotel while traveling
DO Protect your connection on public Wi-Fi with a secure VPN or your own mobile hotspot. Verify QR codes before scanning. Bring your own charging block and cable.
2. Fake travel deals or promotions
DON'T book a cheaper, unrealistic deal before verifying it’s legitimate and from a trustworthy source.
- Scam promotions often show up as sponsored social media ads or “out-of-nowhere” emails that offer really good price with a countdown to force you into a rushed decision.
- “If it looks too good to be true, it probably is”
DO book directly through official travel websites whenever possible.
- Cross-reference prices on an airline’s or hotel’s official site.
- Check the URL before entering any information.
3. Real-time location sharing
DON'T share broadly about travel plans or locations in real time as it can signal you're away from home
DO share photos after you return
4. Gas station and ATM skimmers
DON'T let criminal capture your card information through a hidden device at a gas station or ATM
DO use tap-to-pay instead
It's always better to be cautious!
