Naive travelers are easy targets, but there are some simple tips to protect yourself while enjoying your holiday.
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Use public Wi-Fi safely
Public Wi-Fi in hotels, airports and even cafes can be a prime spot for phishing. Phishing is when someone attempts to take sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details (and, indirectly, money), often for malicious reasons. It’s also best not to do banking or access sensitive accounts on a public network.
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Don’t over share on social media
Want thieves to know your house is empty or to know exactly where you are? Be very careful about sharing too much of your travels on social media. Instead, post about them once you’re home.
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Be on the look out for travel scams
Scams are common at this time of year and finding you’ve been duped is an awful Christmas present. Scammers prey on people looking for a holiday deal.
Always research the offer and be wary of any travel ‘prizes’. At best you’ll find out a bogus hotel, resort or event doesn’t exist. At worst, you’ll hand over enough personal information that your bank accounts get cleaned out or your identity is stolen.
Travel insurance scams are also common, so make sure you research the provider first.
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Password protect your devices
If you’re taking any devices on holiday, make sure they are password protected, preferably with two-factor authentication. You can also enable location tracking in the event the device is lost or stolen.
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Notify your bank of your travels
Inform your bank that you are travelling and keep an eye on your accounts for fraudulent transactions. The sooner you notice a fraudulent transaction and report it to your bank, the sooner they can stop the scammer and issue you a new card or account.