Travel season is peaking, and so are fraudsters trying to scam you of your personal information and money.  There are millions of reasons why banks and credit cards keep sending customers emails and SMS warnings against fraud.  That’s because millions are lost from both customers and financial institutions as fraudsters become more and more aggressive and sophisticated.

So even before you pack your bags and head off to your chosen destination, it’s good to stay alert to avoid becoming the next victim.  Here are some more common scams that target travelers, attempting to steal your personal information so they can take your money too.

If the deal is too good, can it be true?

Did you get an email offering really low travel packages?  If it came from a source not known to you, don’t bite.  You may end up in a "phishing site", or a website that deceptively mimics a legitimate site.  Cybercriminals are likely behind that to trick users into revealing sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, or personal data.

If you want to book flights, go to the website of the airlines.  If you are looking for places to stay, go to the websites of the hotels.  You can also use trusted travel websites to ensure that your bookings and your information are secure.

Watch out for upgrade offer scams

After all your bookings are set, you may receive unexpected messages offering free lounge access or flight and room upgrades.  Be careful and only trust the offer if it came from your bank, or credit card, or the travel website you used, or the airline or hotel you booked.  Again, you could end up accessing a "phishing site".

You may think: How could they know that I have a travel booking?  Well, fraudsters won’t know for sure that’s why they cast a wide net.  They assume many people are traveling for the summer.  They are betting that most will go out of the country.  These, plus other guesses, will cause them to design an offer that is attractive to a wide target base.  Hopefully, not too attractive for you that you become the next victim.  Always verify before sharing any of your information.

Avoid account verification traps

Have you received an email or a text or even a call that your account has been locked due to suspicious activity?  If you get a link, don’t click on it.  If you get a call, don’t engage.  Instead, go directly to the official website to check your account.  You may also contact your bank or credit card and let them know about the suspicious call.

I got a call once and the guy on the other line was good.  He was just the right balance of sympathetic, friendly, and professional.  He was patient and said that he can help me access my locked account so I can check if any suspicious withdrawals have been made.  In my panic, I did not even suspect him at first.  The only mistake he made was picking the wrong bank.  He named a bank that I did not have an account with, and that’s how I knew he was a fraudster.  But what if he mentioned the bank where I actually have an account?  That was a close call that made me realize to always be cautious.

Free Wi-Fi can cost you

Roaming charges abroad can be expensive, and so free Wi-Fi is quite popular.  But know that it is also very risky because that free service provider can see the sites you are visiting, the passwords you are using, and you could be giving them access to your email and banking apps.

For safer internet access while traveling, it’s recommended to use a local SIM card or rent a pocket Wi-Fi.  Thanks to wider availability, the prices are now more affordable.  And best of all, these provide better security and will protect your personal data.  If you must use free Wi-Fi, be careful not to log in to your email, social media accounts or other apps that will disclose your information.  Just use it for directions and then log off quickly.

Stranger danger is real

Stay away from strangers that are offering you tours, merchandise or even offering to exchange your money with local currency.  YouTube is full of videos that show how you can be easily tricked.

Stick to travel vendors that have lots of positive online reviews, so you are sure to get what you paid for.  When it comes to money, trust only banks and authorized money changers so you don’t end up as another tourist sob story – stranded somewhere with no money.