Protect your finances from travel scams and fraud

Travel scams are on the rise and becoming increasingly sophisticated. Many scammers view travelers as easy targets because they're in new environments with unfamiliar routines. Travelers are often distracted by attractions and a sense of urgency to reach their destination. They also tend to use mobile devices, public Wi-Fi and ATMs when their guards are down to navigate new destinations, make reservations and access cash.

According to the Citizens Cybersecurity and Fraud Survey, 63% of people encounter scams in everyday digital environments, where urgent messages are harder to evaluate when you're traveling and on the go. Fortunately, travel scams are preventable with the right precautions. If you're planning an upcoming trip, knowing what to look for and taking a moment to pause and verify, along with using tools like account alerts and mobile banking, can help protect your finances even when you're on the go.

Common travel booking scams and fraud

Travel fraud can start before you even leave home with online scams. Many scammers prey on those looking for a good deal or airline and hotel bookings that fit their schedules. Be on the lookout for several common types of travel fraud.

Fake travel booking scams

Some scammers set up fake websites that look nearly identical to those of real travel companies. They offer fraudulent rental listings, airfare deals or travel packages with low prices that are hard to ignore. However, when you book through them, they often require you to pay outside the platform via wire transfer, cryptocurrency or another non-standard payment method.

Phishing emails or texts

Phishing scams also use fake websites that look real, except they lure you in with fraudulent emails or text messages. They typically pose as airlines, hotels or travel companies.

In airline phishing scams, you might receive an official-looking message claiming your flight is delayed or canceled. When you click a link to view your options or rebook, you're taken to a fake website that asks you to enter your payment information again, or it downloads malware that can steal your personal information. Hotel phishing emails and scams are similar, but they may ask you to verify your reservation or tell you there's a problem with your credit card.

Payment red flags

Many travel booking scams urge you to pay via wire transfer, gift card or with peer-to-peer payment. Credit card payments aren't usually an option since fraudulent charges can be disputed. They also typically urge you to pay right away, before you have time to think. Scammers count on you being busy and not taking the time to verify that the email or text you received is legitimate.

If a deal feels rushed or too good to be true, slow down and verify that the sender is legitimate and the information is correct. If you receive a text or email, make sure it's actually from the real company. Check website URLs to make sure they're correct and always use a trusted payment method. You can also visit the company's official website and contact their customer service team to confirm your arrangements.

Travel scams and fraud to watch for while traveling

Enjoying a much-needed vacation doesn't mean you can let your guard down. Many people are more susceptible to fraud while traveling because they're rushed and everything is unfamiliar, making it easier for scammers to take advantage.

ATM and card skimming fraud

Skimming is when someone attaches a hidden device to an ATM or a debit or credit card reader. When you swipe or insert your card, the device records your account information and PIN. The scammer then creates a fake card with your information to make fraudulent purchases. There's a higher risk of ATM skimming fraud and card skimming devices in tourist-heavy or poorly monitored areas.

Transportation and tourist scams

At some airports and tourist destinations, scammers may impersonate taxi or shuttle drivers. They are often unlicensed, untrained and they may not even have proper insurance.

Some scammers also sell fake tickets near popular destinations. They take advantage of long lines and tight schedules to persuade people to buy from them. Scammers may sell tickets for far more than what you'd normally pay if you had acquired them from a legitimate vendor.

Phishing and bank impersonation attempts

In phishing and bank impersonation scams, scammers pose as bank representatives. They may send fraud alert text messages or emails or make "suspicious activity" scam calls asking you to verify your account information and password, which is then used to access your account and steal your money.

These messages often feel convincing because fraud alerts are common while traveling. A new environment may be distracting, and you may also feel stressed or tired if you're in a different time zone.

Unprotected Wi‑Fi and digital scams

Is public Wi-Fi safe for banking? Not usually.

Accessing the internet via a public network might seem like a good way to check your accounts when you're in a hurry, but you could encounter significant security risks with unprotected networks. You may find these open networks in hotels, restaurants, airports and other places you visit, but the convenience can come at a cost.

Logging into financial accounts on unsecured Wi-Fi can be risky because these networks usually aren't encrypted. Anything you enter, including passwords and sensitive personal information, can be intercepted by another person who's close by. Scammers may use these public networks to steal your financial information or install malware on your devices.

How to protect your finances before traveling

Taking steps to safeguard your finances before you leave home should be part of every vacation checklist. Travel fraud prevention actions that can help include:

• Review recent account activity: Check your recent credit card charges and bank account balances to easily spot unusual activity.
• Set up security and transaction alerts: Credit card alerts notify you of real-time transactions, so you can report unauthorized ones right away.
• Update your contact information: Ensure your bank and credit card companies can reach you immediately if they detect any unusual activity.
• Bring backup payment methods: If your primary credit or debit card is blocked due to fraud, you will still be able to pay for travel expenses.
• Download your bank's mobile app: Before you leave home, set up transaction alerts and account monitoring with your bank's mobile app. You can also freeze your debit card via a mobile app, if needed.
• Keep your bank in the know: Letting your bank know you'll be traveling not only prevents legitimate transactions from being blocked due to your location, but it also can help flag unauthorized transactions.
• Exchange currency at home: If you'll need to secure foreign currency for your trip, prioritize making the exchange at your home bank before you travel. This minimizes your need to use ATMs on the road, which can be sources of skimming fraud.

How to stay financially safe while traveling

It's possible to enjoy your vacation while keeping your finances safe. The key is understanding how scammers operate and watching for red flags. Avoid travel scams while you're on the go and when you get home by:

• Monitoring accounts regularly: Your mobile banking app isn't just for banking convenience. It's a tool you can use to stay informed and in control, both while on vacation and when you get back home. With the Citizens mobile app*, you can monitor activity in real time, set up alerts, and quickly spot anything that doesn't look right, both while you're traveling and when you get back home.
• Keeping cards, cash and devices secure: Keep your devices and payment methods with you at all times, and to avoid unwanted attention, don't take them out unless you need them.
• Using trusted ATMs and payment methods: Unfamiliar ATMs may have skimming devices that steal your card information. When possible, choose secure payment options like trusted ATMs, credit cards, or digital wallets which use tokenized data instead of sharing your actual card details, reducing the risk of fraud.
• Being cautious of urgent requests: If anyone asks for money or personal information with a heightened sense of urgency, they might be trying to pressure you into making a quick decision. They are likely counting on you being too stressed or distracted to think things through.
• Using mobile data and VPNs when possible: Public Wi-Fi is often unsecured, making it unsafe for banking. Using your mobile data or a VPN, verifying network names, turning off file sharing and disabling auto-connect settings can help protect your information. And adding multifactor authentication to your accounts can make it harder for hackers to gain access, even if they do steal your login information from an unsecured network.

What should you do if you experience travel fraud or a scam?

Travel fraud doesn't have to ruin your trip. Taking quick action can prevent scammers from doing further damage. If you're scammed while traveling, follow these four steps to protect your finances:

1. Pause, verify and act if something looks suspicious

If anything looks suspicious, take it seriously. Listen to your instincts. Pause whatever you're doing and verify that the ATM, merchant, email, text message or website is legitimate. If something doesn't feel right, it's okay to step away.

2. Report the fraud promptly

Contact your bank or card issuer right away if your card is lost or stolen, or when you suspect fraud. If you're wondering how to report fraud while traveling, you can easily do it through your bank's mobile app or by calling customer support.

3. Lock or freeze cards if needed

If you're unsure what to do if your debit card is compromised abroad or anywhere you travel, contact your bank or card issuer right away. Debit card fraud while traveling can result in unauthorized transactions, with funds pulled directly from your checking account.

Your bank or card issuer can put a hold on your cards to prevent fraudulent purchases, or you can do this yourself using your bank's mobile banking app. For instance, Cizi, the Citizens mobile app chat feature, can help you report fraud and freeze or unfreeze your cards within the app. If your card includes credit card fraud travel protection, you won't be liable for any fraudulent purchases.

4. Continue monitoring your accounts

Keep a close eye on your accounts to watch for fraudulent transactions. Mobile banking security features, such as fraud and transaction alerts, keep you informed in real time. You can also log into your accounts daily and look for transactions you don't recognize. If you're traveling to a place where Citizens operates, visit a local branch to take advantage of extra protection with the ID Verify feature. This cloud-based service from Citizens uses advanced facial recognition and government-issued ID validation to confirm your identity, ensuring only you can access your bank accounts.

Stay informed and travel confidently

Financial safety while traveling isn't something to take for granted. Scammers are always looking for new ways to steal your money and information, but awareness and preparation go a long way toward preventing fraud. Staying connected to your finances when away from home gives you peace of mind so you can enjoy your trip, no matter where you travel.

Ready to prepare for your next travel adventure? Discover how to protect your money while traveling and prevent fraud on the Citizens Fraud and Security Hub.

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