Travel scams are on the rise. According to a recent report by McAfee, nearly one in three Americans surveyed (28%) has fallen victim to a travel-related scam. Of these victims, nearly a quarter of them lost $1,000 or more to a single scam.
Today’s cybercriminals are using increasingly sophisticated schemes designed to steal your personal and financial information without you ever realizing. While planning your next vacation, it’s important to take precautions to safeguard your finances—especially if you are visiting a popular travel destination—so you can ensure a fun and hassle-free trip.
Watch out for these common travel scams
- Fake travel websites
Cybercriminals create fraudulent websites that mimic legitimate booking platforms. These sites offer deals on flights, hotels, and vacation packages designed to steal your money. When researching a vacation online, stay vigilant about the websites you are visiting. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be aware of the actual URL and conduct thorough reviews before booking.
2. Phishing emails
Scammers often send emails that appear to come from legitimate travel companies, airlines, or hotels. Always think before you click—these emails could contain links to fake travel websites designed to steal your money and personal information. Be wary of urgent calls to action. And be sure to double-check the URL for any spelling errors or inconsistencies. A reputable business will not send emails from a public email domain such as Gmail.
3. Fake accommodations and attractions
Scammers list nonexistent vacation rentals or excursions using stolen or AI-generated photos. Read the reviews and ensure that you only communicate using the travel sites’ official channels. Be wary if a host offers you a discount for booking off the platform or asks you to pay using a digital wallet such as Cash App, Venmo, or Zelle.
4. Malicious hotspots and USB ports
The FBI warns travelers against using public Wi-Fi and charging stations. Cybercriminals can use hacked Wi-Fi networks and compromised ports to distribute malware and steal sensitive information such as passwords or banking information. Instead, carry your own portable charger and use your mobile data plan while traveling.
Financial tips for travelers
- Notify your bank and monitor accounts
If you are planning to travel outside of Texas, it’s best to contact your bank. Banks may freeze customer accounts due to perceived suspicious activity if they see account activity occurring outside your usual geographic area. Get extra peace of mind by reviewing every transaction using online banking. Bank customers can stop by any Stellar Banking Center or call 713.499.1800 to place a travel notice on debit and credit cards.
If you happen to receive any communications about your account or card being compromised while traveling and are asked to reveal personal information, do not respond. Our Fraud Center monitoring system does not require you to reveal any personal information. Call Stellar Bank directly.
2. Set up automatic payments
When you are on vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is whether you have paid your utility bills. Stellar Bank’s online banking tools make it easy to set up automatic, recurring payments on your monthly bills.
3. Carry multiple payment methods
Bring a mix of local currency, credit cards, and debit cards while traveling. This ensures that you have a backup in case any method is lost, stolen, or declined. Using a mobile wallet with your Stellar debit card can add an extra layer of security while traveling.
Familiarize yourself with other trending scams, such as bank call scams, search engine scams, and UCC scams, with Stellar Bank’s Fraud Protection resources.
For our customers: if you feel you may have been a victim of a scam, contact Stellar Bank immediately.
