3 Subtle but Clever Scams You'll See Abroad

Tourists who are unfamiliar with the area, language, and culture are prime targets for scammers abroad. Scammers take advantage of a traveler's naivete through crafty means to commit theft or fraud. Avoid these scams by educating yourself on the methods used and knowing what action to take when encountering them.

Learn three current scams tourists are falling for and how to avoid them.

Booking Site Phishing
Some scams start before you even reach your destination. Fraudsters attract visitors by creating fake booking websites with domain names, logos, and designs almost identical to legit sites. A telltale sign that a booking site is fake is being asked to give a phone call or click a link via email.

How to combat this scam
Don't give your personal information to any booking site you cannot confirm is legit. If you aren't sure, call your hotel and ask for their official site.

Fake Wi-Fi Hubs
Scammers install unsecured Wi-Fi hotspots in places like airports, coffee shops, and hotels to steal personal information. Travelers connect to the fraudulent Wi-Fi and have their data taken.

How to combat this scam
Ask for the official Wi-Fi from the concierge of your hotel before connecting to any hotspots.

Vehicle Scams
Car rental companies will demand you pay for damages already present before you rented the car. 

How to combat this scam
Check reviews before renting from any car rental company. Take photos of the car before you leave the premises.

The most important way to stay safe from tourist scams is to research any and all areas you plan to tour. Limit your payment methods to card or cash to keep your personal information safe.

If you believe you may be a victim of a fraud/scam, please contact us immediately by phone at 972-263-5171. If you believe that your credit card information has recently been compromised or that you have been a victim of fraud, contact Texas Trust Credit Union immediately.