If you’re planning a trip soon, here are some expert recommendations to stay safe from travel scams. Pickpockets were once the biggest worry for travelers heading to new destinations on vacation.
Travel scams are getting smarter. Here’s how to protect yourself
Why This Matters
Travel fraud has shifted from street-level pickpocketing to more sophisticated schemes, meaning travelers now face risks before they even leave home. For consumers, that raises the stakes on how bookings and payments are made, and it puts pressure on booking platforms and payment providers to do more on verification and fraud detection.
Key Takeaways
- Travel scams have evolved well beyond old-fashioned pickpocketing to target travelers in the planning and booking stages.
- Experts recommend specific precautions travelers can take to reduce their exposure before and during trips.
- Consumer awareness is now a key line of defense, alongside platforms' own fraud protections.
Worth a Look
Apple AirTag — An AirTag tucked into your luggage or day bag gives you a live location trail if a bag walks off or a "lost" suitcase story turns out to be a scam. It pairs with Find My on your iPhone, so you can check on your gear from anywhere on the trip.
See Apple AirTag on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Get alerts for these topics