For many, travel is a welcome break from life’s responsibilities, a time for relaxation, exploration and new experiences. Unfortunately, travel season is also a prime opportunity for fraudsters. Before you book that cozy cottage or surprisingly cheap flight, take a moment to review the most common travel-related scams and how to protect yourself from them.
Travel security tips:
Protect your money, personal information and possessions
Common travel booking scams
Most travel scams occur before your trip even begins. Stay vigilant during the planning phase by watching out for the following:
Hotel booking site scams
Finding a great deal on a hotel can be tempting — but beware. Scammers often create fake ads for nonexistent hotels or deals that don’t actually exist. These ads may look legitimate and appear in search engine results alongside real listings.
Fake vacation rental listings
As vacation rentals grow in popularity, fraudsters are creating fake listings with stolen images and descriptions from real properties. These often come with prices that seem too good to be true — and they usually are.
Warning signs:
- The poster asks for payment outside the rental platform.
- Payment is requested via wire transfer or peer-to-peer (P2P) apps, which offer little consumer protection.
Always pay through secure, reputable platforms to safeguard both your money and personal information.
Pre-travel safety tips
Taking a few precautions before you leave can help secure your finances and personal data.
Notify your financial institutions
Let your credit card company and bank know your travel destinations and dates. Most institutions monitor unusual activity and may block transactions if they detect spending in unfamiliar locations.
Research your destination thoroughly
While it’s fun to plan your activities, don’t overlook safety considerations. Learn about:
- Common scams in your travel area
- Neighborhoods or regions considered unsafe for tourists
Cybersecurity tips for travelers
It’s not just your wallet that’s at risk while traveling – your digital footprint is vulnerable too.
Before you depart
Protect your digital life with these steps:
- Back up your devices in case they are lost, stolen or compromised.
- Update antivirus software and install the latest operating system updates.
- Update all apps to ensure you have the latest security patches.
- Disable auto-connect to public Wi-Fi and be cautious with Bluetooth.
- Use strong, unique passcodes for all devices.
- Inform your employer and bank if you plan to work remotely during your trip.
While traveling
Keep cybersecurity top of mind with these strategies:
- Use privacy screens when working in public to shield sensitive information.
- Avoid “shoulder surfing” by choosing secluded spots in public areas like cafes or airports.
- Use a personal hot spot or VPN rather than public Wi-Fi for secure connections.
- Avoid online banking or shopping on public networks.
- Be aware of public devices (like hotel or library computers) that may contain malware or keyloggers.
- Inspect ATMs before use to ensure no skimming devices are attached.
- Review U.S. State Department travel advisories when traveling abroad.
Customers Bank recommendations
Traveling should be relaxing – but that doesn’t mean letting your guard down. Practicing good cybersecurity and fraud prevention habits can ensure your trip is as secure as it is enjoyable.
To learn more about Customers Bank’s security and fraud measures, visit our security center.
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