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Consumers are getting more and more comfortable traveling again post-pandemic. The excitement of a new destination or a break from reality somewhere far away is appealing, especially now that the global health crisis is not an ever-present concern. However, travelers may not be aware of other risks present while planning a trip—including scams that increased in popularity and decreased in detectability since the pandemic. If you are planning a trip or holiday travel to see family, here are a few things you may not be aware of that you should be on the lookout for.
Hotels Shouldn’t Call Your Room for Payment Information
There is a lesser-known scam out there where a fraudster calls a hotel front desk and asks to be put through to a specific (yet likely randomly chosen) room. If the guest in that room answers the call, the scammer pretends to be that hotel’s front desk and states that they came across a problem with the card on file. They ask the guest to “re-read” the credit card number and verify the card verification value (CVV).
The guest may think nothing of the call, as it likely sounds professional and seems as if it truly is the front desk, and proceeds to offer up that information. The guest is even less likely to question it if it happens not long after checking into the hotel. However, this is a scam from someone outside of the hotel utilizing a random room number to obtain private card and address information.
If this ever happens to you, tell the caller you will clear up any issues directly at the front desk, hang up, and walk down to a legitimate hotel employee to verify the request before providing any personal information.
Be Cautious of Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi, especially in today’s highly digitalized world, can be enticing. However, if it is being offered at a nearly empty and/or unfamiliar location (like a café that doesn’t seem to be too popular), it’s best to avoid using the service. Many scammers make use of free Wi-Fi offerings, as it’s a more discreet way of tracking information sent over devices connected to the free Wi-Fi. For a small fee through various tools, hackers can gain access to this data as soon as users connect to the network. Once they can access your information, it’s likely only a matter of time before they use it to their benefit with identity theft and/or financial loss. Additionally, it’s a good rule of thumb to be cautious when connecting any device to free and/or unknown internet networks, as devices with fewer security protections in place make it easier for hackers to find sensitive information.
The Best Deal Is Not Always the Best Outcome
Many consumers are aware of the standard travel scams, such as winning a free vacation or cruise, but also be aware of online “tools” advertised to get you the best rates on your trip. As we collectively rely on technology more and more as a society, fraudsters become more creative and sneakier in their attempts. If you don’t recognize the website offering you a great deal on your vacation package, it’s probably best to avoid booking through it and entering your payment information. Do your research, and when in doubt don’t give your information out.
Conclusion
Always use your best judgement when traveling. Rely on trusted sources and make your arrangements directly with known businesses. Don’t give information over the phone if you have the option to give it to a physical person face-to-face, and keep these signs of fraud in mind so you can avoid becoming a victim.