Consumers preparing for their spring travels are likely considering factors like transportation, lodging, food, recreational activities, amenities, and more. But the planning shouldn’t stop there! Travelers should also prepare for scam prevention before, during, and after their trip. You can protect yourself from fraud, identity theft, and financial loss this spring by taking a few simple preventative measures and being aware of a handful of common scams that target travelers.
Scams Targeting Travelers
If you are applying for or renewing your passport, you may start the process with an internet search. However, be cautious. The top results might lead to websites with official names and government seals, but which are actually run by private companies who charge for otherwise free services.
There is a charge to get a passport, but the forms to renew and apply are free. The official government website for passport services is travel.state.gov.
Some travelers speed up their airport experience with TSA Pre-Check. If you are considering enrolling or renewing, be aware that scammers impersonate TSA Pre-Check in emails, texts, and online ads. They build imposter websites that mimic the official one, but are designed to scam consumers.
Users applying for TSA Pre-Check for the first time need to do so in person, as well as pay the application fee in-person at a TSA enrollment center. Renewing users can pay either in-person or online. Visit the official website for trustworthy information and enrollment instructions at tsa.gov/precheck.
Before Your Trip
Be aware of imposter websites that look like real, familiar platforms, but are run by scammers trying to steal your money and personal information. Verify a website is legitimate before entering personal or payment information.
Double check your bookings. Call businesses where you have made reservations to confirm you both have the correct details.
During Your Trip
Pay with a credit card. This allows you to dispute fraudulent charges and protects your bank account from being accessed directly by a scammer.
Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks. These can be set up by scammers who want to steal users’ data such as passwords, personal information, and financial account details.
After Your Trip
Verify charges by reviewing your credit card statements for mistakes like unapproved or double charges.
Monitor your financial statements, credit reports, and online accounts for suspicious activity that might occur in the weeks or months after your travels.
Be cautious of texts claiming you owe unpaid toll fees. These are scams, and can be convincing – especially if you recently traveled on toll roads. Avoid opening any links sent in these messages, which could lead to a scam website.
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