Hot Topics     Home and Family    

Be alert to scammers while traveling for the holidays



Expert tips to keep your data safe

Be alert to scammers while traveling for the holidays

Holiday season travelers are a key target for scammers, and criminals are looking to cash in on you being distracted. Visa has observed an uptick in 2025 of sophisticated, travel-related scams where well-known travel providers are convincingly impersonated, and, according to a McAfee Travel Report, one in five Americans has fallen victim to a travel scam.

Artificial intelligence has made it easier to be duped by fake websites, calls, email and texts. Even just ordering car service can open you up to being scammed by impersonators that may contact you directly through an otherwise trusted app.

Here are scams to watch for while traveling:

Fake QR Codes. Scammers will replace real QR codes with fake ones to redirect your phone to a malicious website.

Juice Jacking. If you plug a phone or laptop into a public charging station, hackers can potentially compromise the outlet to transfer malware to or steal data from a connected device.

Hacked Luggage. Smart luggage with built-in USB chargers, GPS tracking and digital locks can be hacked. Scammers can locate your bags and unlock them remotely.


Maintaining vigilance is the best way to avoid trouble while traveling, but here are some additional preventative measures you can take:
  • Apply Scrutiny. Be suspicious of anyone emailing, calling, messaging or approaching you in person, possibly in a company uniform, claiming to need your personal information.
  • Take Control. Keep your personal information, payment cards and devices with you under your control.
  • Verify Contact. Before responding to an email, call, text or voice message, disconnect and research contact information to verify legitimacy.
  • Look for Tampering. Be leery of QR codes that appear to be affixed by a sticker. Also watch for skimming devices on gas pumps by jiggling them. If there is any movement, don’t insert your card.
  • Check Websites. If you scan a QR code, a web link will appear. Review it carefully for anomalies and type in a legitimate website address rather than clicking the link.
  • Charge Cautiously. Use your own charging adapter and cable instead of public USB ports.
  • Secure Devices. Keep Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned off on all devices – even smart luggage – when not in use. When using the internet, opt to connect through data roaming rather than public Wi-Fi and use a VPN whenever possible.
  • Wait to Post. Don’t post your travel photos showing you are away from home until you return.
For more information on best practices to help prevent fraud, visit PNC’s Security and Privacy Center.

By taking the necessary precautions, you can help protect yourself and make the festive season a time of good cheer rather than crisis.

(StatePoint) 
PHOTO SOURCE: (c) g-stockstudio / iStock via Getty Images Plus


Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Resume tips for job seekers with disabilities

    Some of the most important things to keep in mind

    For the most part, writing a resume as a disabled worker involves the same best practices as writing any type of resume. Some of the most important things to keep in mind include: read more »
  • A gripping graphic novel looks at four infamous days in our history

    The story of prisoners' stand at Attica in 1971

    This graphic novel is a raw and powerful look at the four days of uprising at the Attica State Prison in upstate NY. The illustrations are graphic and at times, horrific. See what we can learn from history read more »
  • Delicious family meals for American Heart Healthy Month

    5 great recipes to keep your family feeling good

    We have 5 great recipes for you to try to celebrate American Heart Healthy Month. read more »
  • Centsible ways to teach kids healthy money habits

    It is imperative to secure your child's financial future

    In school, most kids only learn algebra, calculus, and trigonometry but not how to budget, save or invest. The older we get, the more responsibilities we have that make it challenging to focus on learning financial principles, which is why it is key to start teaching kids healthy money habits at a young age. read more »
  • 5 easy ways to save energy in the kitchen

    Make a few of these simple adjustments

    The kitchen is the heart of the home, it’s also a space where you can waste a lot of energy if you’re not careful. By making a few simple adjustments to your habits in the kitchen, you can easily cut your energy bills and do your part to help the environment. read more »
  • Participate in The Annual Great Backyard Bird Count

    Kids learn about birds and conservation

    The Annual Great Backyard Bird Count (Feb. 16-19) is a great way for people – especially families and kids – to engage with the outdoors right in their own backyard, and the TurfMutt Foundation encourages everyone to participate. read more »
  • How to turn your finances around in the months ahead

    One in three Americans say they are struggling to get by

    Many consumers are feeling financial strain after a challenging economic year in 2022. One in three Americans say they are struggling to get by or are in trouble financially. read more »
  • 4 home improvement ideas

    Tips from the experts

    Whether you’re thinking about a bathroom update, kitchen overhaul or any other type of home improvement project, these tips from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and eLivingtoday.com can help you get started. read more »
  • Looking out for your lungs

    5 ways to keep yours healthy

    The lungs are the centerpiece of your respiratory system. When you inhale, air enters your lungs and oxygen from that air moves to your blood. At the same time, carbon dioxide, a waste gas, moves from your blood to the lungs and gets exhaled. This process is essential to life. read more »
  • Highly rated diets to support heart health

    Experts take the guess work out of choosing

    Eating healthy is an important goal for people looking to maintain or improve their physical health, particularly as it relates to the heart. With often conflicting information available online and via social media, it may be difficult or downright confusing to find the eating plan for you. read more »