Summer 2024 is about to heat up, and you know what that means. Sun, sand, and surf? Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit and sunscreen! Snow cones, strawberries, and s’mores? Mmmm, yes, please! Sightseeing, stargazing, and … scams? Oh my!
Oops. Sorry for ending on such a bummer. But summer isn’t all fun and games and, unfortunately, scamming is on the rise. In 2023 alone, scams cost people more than $10 billion. That’s the highest total ever recorded and $1 billion more than the previous high-water mark (2022), according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
So, what, exactly, does this have to do with your summer plans? Well, travel — perhaps the most popular summertime activity — is a hotbed for all sorts of scams. The FTC received more than 55,000 reports of travel fraud last year. According to a recent survey by McAfee, the security software company, one in three travelers has been scammed, with a third losing $1,000 or more.
It’s clear that, while traveling can be a fun way to relax and explore this summer, there are undoubtedly hazards you must take seriously. Beyond physical safety — which, although obviously important, is not something we’ll be covering here — your financial security can easily be jeopardized by scammers and thieves if you aren’t careful.
“One in three travelers has been scammed, with a third losing $1,000 or more.”
-McAfee Summer Holidays’ Travel Report
So, if you plan on traveling this summer, you must remember to, well, plan. And by that, I mean, plan beyond just your plane ticket and hotel reservation. (I can hear all the Type-B groans and Type-A “Duhs!” from my office.) Here are some tips and tricks for how to keep your money safe while traveling this summer:
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- Watch out for pickpockets: When traveling domestically or abroad tourists are a prime target for petty theft and crime. Keep your valuables like cash, credit cards, passports, etc. safe and secure. I recommend using a money belt. A money belt is a small, zippered fabric pouch on an elastic strap that fastens around your waist or chest. They often can be concealed under your clothes.
- Buy a tamper-proof, RFID-blocking wallet: And speaking of pickpockets, many are skilled at wrangling wallets away from innocent vacationers, but these days they can also steal digital credit card information via radio-frequency identification skimmers. Protect against both types of theft with an RFID-blocking travel wallet that can be tucked into your waistband or under your shirt to thwart would-be thieves.
- Memorize and protect your PIN numbers: You would be surprised how many people write down their PIN numbers, often on the credit or debit card itself! Don’t do that, EVER! Be aware of your surroundings wherever you might be using a PIN, like at an ATM machine or paying a cashier. Be aware of “shoulder surfers” that might be watching you input your PIN. Always block the keypad from others’ view when entering a PIN.
- Set up account alerts you can easily access: While you might not have cellular phone service when traveling overseas, a Wi-Fi connection will allow you to receive emails and notifications from your bank/issuer about account activity. They can help you know if your card or account has been used unknowingly, or even worse compromised.
- Be cautious when using ATMs: Watch for strangers loitering nearby, especially in pairs. Don’t be distracted as you’re most vulnerable right after entering your PIN and withdrawing the cash. Thefts often use various tricks, such as pretending to sell something or dropping cash on the floor. The scam might also involve children. Never assume any situation is innocent. Also be sure to look out for malicious technology, like skimmers, at ATMs. A credit card skimmer, a device that thieves can attach to point-of-sale terminals, can quickly copy your credit card’s information, which can then be sold to others or used to make fraudulent purchases. The devices often are hard to spot because they look like regular magnetic stripe swipers.
- Maintain an eye on your cards: If you use a debit or credit card either at an ATM or say a restaurant, keep an eye on your card. Make sure you return the card to your wallet, purse, or money belt. Did you know that some ATMs will suck your card back in if you don’t pull it out quickly as a protection for you? Always be hypersensitive until you have returned your card to safety.
- Try not to use a debit card for purchases: Even if it isn’t convenient, using a debit card exposes your bank account to a thief. If you dispute a fraudulent charge your bank may freeze your account to investigate. Try to limit debit transactions to ATM cash withdrawals and use credit cards or cash for all other payments.
- Leave most of your cards at home: Clean out your purse or wallet and only bring two cards, the one you intend to use, and also a backup. You don’t need to bring your Exxon or Target card to Japan! One pro tip is to load your credit card app on your phone so you can monitor charges and balances while on the road.
- Be careful about which Wi-Fi networks you use: Entering bank usernames and passwords on your laptop or smartphone while on a public Wi-Fi network can leave you vulnerable to fraud and identity theft. If at all possible try to only use private, secure Wi-Fi networks to check banking or credit card information when traveling.
- Consider getting travel insurance: If you’re not already covered by your primary health insurance or your credit card’s insurance-related perks, you might want to consider additional travel insurance. It is probably cheaper than you might think and worth the extra peace of mind. The right policy can protect you from the financial loss of misplaced luggage, travel delays, medical emergencies, and so much more.
This summer, it doesn’t matter if you intend to collect a coveted passport stamp, visit your in-laws, lay on a tropical beach sipping mai tais, or sweat and stand in line for hours in the “happiest place on earth, it should be fun, relaxing, and life-giving. You don’t want to spend it worrying about theft or identity theft during these precious days traveling or spending time with friends and family. By staying vigilant and following these simple steps you can alleviate that one thing that is sure to ruin your vacation!
Check out the link below for some other ways to keep your money and yourself protected against cybercrime.
Cyber Insurance: A Must-Have Companion to Your Homeowners or Renters Insurance
