The 10 Most Common Airport Scams Preying on Travelers

One of the first things we all do when arriving at the airport is to sign into the free Wi-Fi, especially when we have arrived at our destination and want to let people back home know that we are safe. But not all Wi-Fi is created equal, and it seems that scammers can set up fake networks for you to log into, and before you know it, they have your details and phone.

How to avoid being scammed: Check at the information desk for the official airport Wi-Fi, and don’t be tempted to jump straight into the Free Wi-Fi network. Even when you are logged into the proper airport Wi-fi, avoid signing into banking apps and anything secure until you have access to a password-protected network.

Going through security, placing all your belongings on the belt, leaving them unprotected while you yourself are being checked is a great opportunity for thieves to help themselves to your laptop, watch, passport, or, indeed, entire bag. People often work in pairs,  and while one of them purposefully stalls the queue by continuously setting the people scanner off, the other helps themselves to your valuables. While you’d think that they are in a place they cannot possibly get away from, especially in large airports, it is nearly impossible to narrow down the person who could possibly have taken your stuff.

How to avoid being scammed: Keep an eye out for your tray, and make a mental note of who is around you. Place your passport, watch, and jewelry into your bag rather than loose in the tray. If you are traveling with someone, it makes sense for one of you to go first, keeping an eye out for both your possessions.

Charging your phone before boarding is always a good idea, because on the plane, the sockets are either nonexistent or slow. But conveniently placed USB charging ports can be elaborate scams. So-called ”juice jacking” steals your data by installing malware into public USB ports. Once you’re connected, scammers have access to all your personal data.

How to avoid being scammed: The only way to stay safe is to stay away from public USB ports. Instead, bring your own plug and connect via a normal socket, or use your portable power bank. Once your phone is charged, it is safe enough to charge your power bank via the USB port. Alternatively, carry a small USB data blocker, a small adapter-type device, which protects your phone.

Similar to connecting to scamming Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth leaves you open to strangers having access to your data by ”bluesnarfing” without you even realizing it. Then there are the ever-so-useful QR codes,  be they for Wi-Fi, information, or payments. These have become great opportunities for thieves to steal data and money.

How to avoid being scammed: When not in use, turn your Bluetooth off; it not only keeps you safe, but also saves on your battery power. Also, set your phone to ‘undiscoverable mode’, and don’t ever accept connection requests from strangers. As for QR codes, this is more difficult, but avoid scanning any code that looks like it has been stuck on recently, or crookedly, and never click on QR codes received by text.

Who doesn’t want to relax before a flight in a comfortable lounge? And you don’t even have to fly business class to get access to one.  Sometimes, all you have to do is download an app, and there you are, with a glass of wine in your hand. But sadly,  scammers are well aware of our desire to upgrade our traveling lifestyle somewhat, and there are a fair few fake apps around that steal your data and money, all without getting that desired lounge access.

How to avoid being scammed: Check and double-check that your app is genuine. Ask at the lounge reception,  only click on verified links, or go through official websites. And if the app asks too many questions during the signing-in process, be wary, and don’t allow tracking or notifications.

Once you are in the lounge, how tempting is it to show off your boarding pass and passport placed next to your glass of champagne, letting your followers know that you are on the road again?  But it seems that the indecipherable numbers and codes on your boarding pass all actually have meaning, and can give those in the know access to all sorts of personal information. As for passports, all someone needs to do vast amounts of damage is your passport number.

How to avoid being scammed: Don’t post pictures of your documents. Easy. And also be aware of leaving your documents lying on the table or holding them so other people might be able to get too close a look.

While you are–or should be–safe enough using your cards within the restaurants and shops in the airport after security, be aware of ATMs and stalls in the public areas of airports, especially abroad. ATMs could be fitted with fake PIN keyboards and card slots that swallow your card or read the details, while stalls and shops may well clone your card details for future fraudulent use.

How to avoid being scammed: As with the QR codes, inspect the ATM closely before use. Does it look genuine, does it look somewhat ramshackle?  If the ATM has a contactless option, use that, and always make sure you say ‘no’ if the machine asks you if you want any further transactions. And always shield your PIN from people behind you. In stores,  never let somebody run off with your card, and use contactless wherever possible.

You’ve landed safe and sound and are waiting for your luggage at the carousel. Surrounded by all the other passengers, it can be difficult to keep track of the bags and who picks them up and might run off with yours, intentionally or unintentionally. Equally, once you get your stuff, and especially where you have to pay for trolleys, you might be asked by a helpful and often liveried person if they can help you transport your heavy bag.

How to avoid being scammed: The most obvious risk is traveling with recognizable luxury cases, with some of them being so pricey that it is worth running off with them regardless of what’s inside. If you can’t resist, make sure you are first in line at the carousel. If traveling with common, usually black suitcases,  make sure you put a tag on yours that you recognize from afar, and which might at least stop unintentional bag-grabbers from taking yours.  As for helpful bag-handlers, why not? But be aware that nothing is free in this world, and they will often want a tip.

Arrived and have no local currency? It is so tempting to use the currency exchange kiosk in arrivals, but often the exchange rate includes more fees than your next dinner is worth, and you will not get a good deal. As for those kind people running up to you with wads of local cash offering a ”good rate.”  Erm, no.

How to avoid being scammed: Bring enough cash from home to tide you over the first day until you can get to a bank, or, if there is an ATM of a recognizable bank, then you might take out local currency there at a better rate. One of the best options is to get a card that is pre-charged with your travel budget in the local currency, so you can simply use contactless.

You’ve landed after a long flight, got your bags, and now need to get to your hotel, and as soon as you step out of arrivals, you’ll get accosted by someone offering you a taxi ride.  Tempting, agreed. But not safe or good for your budget. More often than not, local scammers try to pick up tired travelers and then either overcharge them on the fare, if you’re lucky, or worse, take them off somewhere into the unknown to rob them of their belongings.

How to avoid being scammed: Prebook a hotel transfer or a pick-up. And even if you have pre-booked and see your name on a sign, double-check that it is the genuine transfer. Alternatively, at the airport, go to a designated office that offers secure taxis at a fixed and pre-paid price.