Digital crime is often hard to spot. Travelers exploring new, exciting destinations may be so distracted that they become digitally vulnerable without realizing it.
For example, hungry and thirsty travellers looking for their hotel might scan a QR code at a takeaway shop. But hackers sometimes place fake QR codes over the real ones, leading to fraudulent websites that collect your personal information for future identity theft or fraud.
By the next morning, you could be locked out of your accounts with fraudulent charges on your card. What if you get stranded in a foreign country with no money, no easy way to contact home, and the sudden stress of dealing with identity theft far from familiar support systems?
With some preparation, you could insulate yourself from such a stressful scenario using the practical tips in this guide.
Getting Ready for a Digitally Safe Trip
We’ve all learned to be careful online because of the constant threat of passwords getting exposed in data breaches. It makes sense to be prepared for (yet another) data breach that occurs back home while we’re enjoying ourselves abroad.
Set Up Account Safety Features
Take these basic steps to make sure your bank and cell phone companies will be aware that you’re travelling. You wouldn’t need to jump through hoops to get help if you get into trouble abroad.
- Contact your cell phone carrier. Let them know where you’re traveling to help prevent SIM swapping while you’re away.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your sensitive accounts. Don’t use SMS-based MFA due to the risk of SIM swapping. Use an authenticator app instead.
- Notify your banks and card issuers about your travel plans. If they know you’ll be transacting in a different part of the world, they won’t automatically treat foreign transactions as suspicious. But if something bad happens and your cards are compromised in another country, this step will also make it easier to get reimbursed for unauthorized charges.
- Install and test your bank’s app before you go. Most apps have card freeze/unfreeze options. Set up transaction and fraud alerts. That will allow the bank to notify you if its systems detect irregular activity. You can also set daily spending and withdrawal limits. Some apps may let you set location restrictions on your cards.
- Change passwords for all your email accounts before you go. Also, reset the passwords for your banking and credit card apps. Use strong, unique passwords for each account with some help from your password manager.
Prepare and Secure Your Devices
The next step is to prepare your devices you intend to take along with a few basic precautions.
- Begin by updating your devices’ operating systems and apps, and install antivirus software if you haven’t already.
- Enable your device’s passcode or biometric lock. Also, set auto-lock so the contents become inaccessible after a short time.
- Look for ‘Device and Privacy Protection’ settings on either Android or Apple devices. Enable the Find My Device and remote wipe function in case your phone gets stolen.
- Turn off the auto-connect to Wi-Fi. Disable Bluetooth discoverability. That will stop your phone from connecting to unsecured networks and devices (giving away your secrets) as you amble along, taking in the new sights.
What to Do if You Suspect Problems
Monitor your banking app and phone for warning signs, such as unusual charges on your card or repeated MFA requests. Better be safe than sorry: act fast. Contact your bank and credit card companies immediately.
- Most bank apps let you report problems quickly. Turn off the card in your app, then call your bank to make sure it’s blocked. Freeze your credit if possible.
- Use your password manager to change passwords for all accounts that may be affected. That includes your email address, any banking apps, and any other high-risk accounts like cloud storage or social media. Reset the MFA.
- Report the incident locally. Your hotel may be able to assist in contacting the local police and other authorities. Make sure you get a copy of the police report. You’ll need it for insurance purposes later. Keep a log of all your actions. Include the date, time, contact details, and reference numbers. It could prove critical in identity theft disputes that may occur months (or even years) later.
- Verify the identities of anyone you communicate with before you release information. That’s a good rule even in normal circumstances. For example, scammers sometimes call hotel guests, pretending to be from room service or other facilities. Don’t give them your personal or credit card information. Treat phone calls or emails that offer “free trips” or other rewards with suspicion.
- Contact your identity restoration service, which is often part of a comprehensive credit and fraud monitoring service. They can take further steps designed to spare you months of follow-ups and fallout. If the incident should lead to identity theft, you’ll be covered against the massive costs of reclaiming your identity and restoring your credit record. The cover may even include lost wages.
- If someone stole your passport, contact your embassy or consulate immediately.
Some More High-impact, Low-effort Travel Safety Tips
Finally, remember that there are good digital hygiene practices we all should use every day, whether we are abroad or not. Use these easy-to-follow tips to stay safer while travelling:
- Avoid public Wi-Fi. Scammers can hack into public Wi-Fi connections to intercept the internet traffic. Don’t do banking transactions or log into your social media accounts on an insecure network. By “insecure network,” we mean the free networks at airports, hotels, or restaurants. Use mobile data and a VPN to encrypt your connections.
- Be wary around ATMs. Criminals can install card readers that are almost impossible to spot. These compromised ATMs allow them to steal your card number and PIN in moments.
- Fake QR codes at restaurants and other tourist sites are becoming distressingly common. Always check with the proprietor or staff to make sure it’s legit.
- Post cautiously on social media. Turn off location sharing on social media. Don’t make it too easy for cybercriminals to track your movements.
- Store a hard copy of emergency contact numbers. That includes banking support, embassy or consulate contact info, and travel insurance details. Also, keep a copy of your passport and the account recovery codes for critical accounts. Store copies of your sensitive information in an encrypted cloud storage service.
- Protect your wallet and phone while out exploring. Be mindful of your surroundings. Pickpocketing is probably one of the oldest professions in the world.
Prepare a Little, Prevent a Lot
It’s better to prepare your defenses before you venture to a new part of the globe. If someone steals your information or money, it can cause problems for months or even years.
Be prepared, and take immediate action if something unforeseen happens. Financial monitoring can dramatically reduce the chances of financial loss and long-term credit damage.
