Ad
Get Amazon Visa and get 5% cash back!
Chase Freedom® Card – your key to smarter spending, cash back, and unbeatable perks
Chase Freedom® Card – your key to smarter spending, cash back, and unbeatable perks
Travel Scam Alert 1. Tapping Credit Card At Gas Pump
This post may contain affiliate links; please read my disclosure here.
It is summer time, which means it is also the height of the road trip season. And if you are not driving an EV, you are stopping to refuel you ICE car.
Be aware. There are now fake stickers being attached at gas pump where you tap your card. Since most card these day are no longer swiped, bad actors improved their tech as well.
How to avoid it:
» Before tapping or swipping, check that the scanner is legit. Pull, tap, shake to make sure it is not easily removable
» Verify your purchases in the bank app, site, or by calling in.
Travel Scam Alert 2. Fake Charging Stations (Juice Jacking)
What it is:
Scammers rig public USB charging ports at rest stops, airports, or gas stations with malware. Plug in your phone, and it can secretly steal your personal data or install tracking software.
We wrote a couple of posts on the dangers of this scam:
How To Safely Charge Your Phone At Airports
Good To Know: Charging Your Phone Safely While Traveling
How to avoid it:
» Use your own charger and plug into an AC outlet, not public USB ports.
» Or better: carry a USB data blocker or portable power bank.
PortaPow USB Data Blocker - Protect Against Juice Jacking
Travel Scam Alert 3. Free Public Wi-Fi Traps
What it is: You stop at a café or hotel and connect to “Free_RoadStop_WiFi” – but it’s actually a fake hotspot set up by hackers nearby. They can see everything you do online, including passwords.
How to avoid it:
» Always verify the official network name with staff.
» Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) every time you connect to public Wi-Fi.
» Disable auto-connect on your phone or laptop.
Travel Scam Alert 4. QR Code Phishing at Gas Stations and Tourist Stops
What it is: Fraudsters place stickers with fake QR codes over real ones at gas pumps, parking meters, or tourist info signs. Scanning them may install malware or steal payment info.
How to avoid it:
» Look closely – does the QR code look like a sticker placed over another code?
» If in doubt, don’t scan. Go directly to the company’s website or app.
Travel Scam Alert 5. Fake Booking & Travel Apps
What it is: You download what looks like a legit hotel app or booking site while traveling. In reality, it’s a phishing app designed to grab your credit card info.
How to avoid it:
» Only download apps from official app stores (Google Play or Apple App Store).
» Look for verified publisher names, ratings, and reviews.
» Use trusted booking platforms like Booking.com, Hotels.com, or Expedia.
Travel Scam Alert 6. Rental Car Remote Access
What it is: Some scammers rent cars with app-connected features (like remote start/unlock) and retain access even after returning the vehicle. They can track or unlock it later when someone else is renting it.
How to avoid it:
» If you rent a smart car, ask the agency to reset the app credentials.
» Disable Bluetooth access if not needed.
» Don’t connect your personal account to the vehicle’s infotainment system.
Pro Travel Tech Safety Tips
» Use a VPN for any public internet usage.
» Carry your own charging equipment and power banks.
» Enable 2FA (two-factor authentication) on all accounts.
» Avoid using Bluetooth in public places unless absolutely necessary.
» Set up credit card alerts for unusual activity while traveling.
Meridian Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set
- Helps with pain relief, promotes relaxation and reduce stress, by stimulating pressure points in the body.
EMF Protection with Defense Bracelet
- Support health from the effects of EMF radiation with this fashionable and robust EMF protection bracelet.
EMF Protection With Defense Pendant
- It's a pendant people wear to protect themselves from the effects of EMF Radiation.
The Wealth Signal
Get a reliable VPN for your computer and phone for travel and at home.
Airline -Approved Carry-On Luggage on Amazon
Shop All-new Kindle Travel Gear
Sound-off: What do you think? Let us know below.
If you found this page helpful in your gadget search, please recommend and follow us:
Sign up for free blog updates
Sign up for free blog updates
No comments:
Post a Comment