Travelers are being urged by cybersecurity experts at the University of Alabama at Birmingham to be on the lookout for an increased risk of cyberattacks now that the summer travel season is in full swing. Swindlers are eager to take advantage of inexperienced travelers because millions of people plan and book travel online.
Ragib Hasan, Ph.D., associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences Department of Computer Science at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, discusses the potential dangers and rip-offs that tourists might encounter while on vacation and offers suggestions on how to avoid them.
Hasan says that in order to enjoy your trip to the fullest while minimizing risks and protecting your privacy, it’s critical to be on the lookout for possible con artists. A portion of the tricks include:
Websites for fake travel: There are many phony travel sites that offer incredible arrangements to draw in individuals. They will give profound limits not accessible somewhere else. However, when users pay for a reservation, the websites take their money and do not offer any services.
Vacation rental scam: Scammers use photocopies of existing homes or condos and pretending to be the owners to post fake photos for vacation rentals.
Switching tactics: In these tricks, clients are baited in with an extraordinary markdown; yet, when they are all the way into the booking system, different expenses are attached.
Card cloning and skimming: Criminals use stolen credit card information to make fraudulent charges in these con schemes.
Hassan advises people to be cautious with their data to avoid scams. Since a great many people utilize their cell phones these days to get to banks or Visas, it makes them a significant objective of hoodlums.
When making a reservation, Hasan recommends sticking to well-known websites because third-party websites may not always be safe.
Hasan stated, “Not all third-party travel booking sites are safe.” While reserving a spot for an inn, get-away rental or travel, it is smarter to adhere to notable destinations. In the event that an outsider webpage is giving an astonishing rebate, confirm the site/merchant and its standing. A good place to check to see if a website has been the subject of any complaints is the Better Business Bureau. Try not to get any arrangements from irregular virtual entertainment pages that have been set up as of late.”
Tricksters can likewise make cloned variants of sites that seem to be notable travel sites which can send phishing messages. Always confirm the sender of emails and the URL of the webpage in order to protect yourself from these con artists.
Protect personal information Many people store bank or credit card information on their smartphones, making them a tempting target for criminals.
Hasan stated, “Criminals can install card skimming devices on ATMs or other payment terminals.” These devices have the ability to make fraudulent charges or copy credit card information. So consistently watch out for anything that looks surprising on the ATM or other installment terminals.”
Connecting to unprotected open Wi-Fi access points in close proximity while traveling is an additional data security risk.
When you use open Wi-Fi access points, your online activities, data, and passwords, among other things, are exposed. exposed to criminals, as stated by Hasan. In the event that you need to utilize such open public Wi-Fi, kindly utilize a VPN to safeguard your information.”
Try not to utilize public cellphone chargers
The Government Agency of Examination has cautioned shoppers against “juice jacking,” where agitators utilize public chargers to contaminate telephones and gadgets with malware. Hackers may be able to gain access to your smartphone, tablet, or computer if you use these free public chargers.
Hasan stated, “Cybercriminals have abused public phone chargers to install malware on smartphones or steal their data.” Therefore, using your own USB cables and charging plugs is recommended.
Try not to reveal area via online entertainment
While voyaging, individuals frequently openly post their area or exercises/photographs via online entertainment. As indicated by Hasan, this is like telling the entire world, including the hoodlums, that you are away from your home. Hasan advises putting photos on social media off until you return.
Taking control of another person’s social media account is another common criminal tactic that involves social media.
Hasan stated, “Scammers take control of social media and send messages to all connections that the victim is traveling, lost their wallet or passport, and needs money wired to them urgently.” At the point when you receive such a message via web-based entertainment, consistently reach them back through a call or different means to check the message.”