"Free" Wi-Fi: You might think
you're being slick by "booting" free Wi-Fi at the airport, but think
again. That fake access point could cost you, says Robert Siciliano, an online
security expert with McAfee.
"Bad guys are setting up fake access
points that are called an evil twin," he explains. "They'll often
have names like AT&T free Wi-Fi, but really it's just some guy sitting in
the terminal with a router who's watching all the traffic go through that device,
including your bank activity, passwords and user names."
In general, avoid using a free wireless
connection for surfing and opt for a paid connection like 3G or 4G instead. You
can also count on a VPN (virtual private network), which works like a tunnel to
encrypt your data and connect you to the Web. With a VPN, even if you're using
an 'evil twin,' you can still surf with ease. Just don't forget to turn off any
file sharing programs before you log on.
Travelers should also be cautious when they
get to the hotel. "Hijackers can get into your device, connect with you
and set up a pop-up that'll say something with regards to connecting or
downloading, and ultimately infect your machine," Siciliano warns.
Phony concierge calls: With these scams, another hotel guest calls,
pretending to be a concierge. He'll ask for your credit card info under the
guise that there's an issue with check-out. But don't buy the routine, says
Siciliano, and instead go to the front desk to see if a request has indeed been
made. If not, then you'll know you've been duped and should contact security
immediately. Whatever you do, don't give out your information until you know
for sure what's going on.
Fake tour guides: Whether you're dying to see the town's sights
or not, never sign up for a tour without doing some homework first. According
to the Los Angeles Times, this is especially true in Southeast Asia, where
tourists are constantly approached by locals dressed in makeshift uniforms
posing as tour guides. They might tell you an attraction is "closed
today," then try to steer you to a nearby shop, or tuk-tuk (motorized
rickshaw) so you'll pony up cash for a tour. After that, what happens is
anyone's guess, but it's likely you won't get your money's worth. "You're
better off finding a kiosk somewhere or a bricks-and-mortar store, where you
know that it's going to be legitimate," Siciliano advises.
Gypsy cabs: These cars might look classy, but con artists have a different
ride in mind when soliciting fares at the airport in sleek black town cars.
Usually, they'll show up at terminals and wait in the area designated for cabs.
Then "they'll ask if you need a cab, and end up charging you more for the
ride," Siciliano says. "The ruse is especially common at New York
airports." As an alternative, "go to the official spot where the cabs
line up," he says. And if you're having trouble determining whether the
taxi is indeed legit, ask a police officer for his take.
Window tappers: If you're planning to drive a car while
abroad, watch out. "You might pull to a stop sign and somebody outside
will knock at your window and say you have a flat tire," explains
Siciliano. Thinking something's wrong, you'll put the car in park, then get out
and walk around to inspect the tire. Of course, the tire will be fine, but by
the time you get back in the car, you'll realize your valuables are have gone
missing -- and so has the thief.
Pickpockets and thieves: Be mindful of your belongings, no matter where
you are. "If you're going to the bathroom and have a laptop or wallet,
take it with you," says Siciliano. "You don't know who's sitting next
to you. They could plug a thumb drive into the laptop and swipe or steal your
card info." And don't assume your hotel room is totally secure. "When
checking into a hotel and deciding to go to the gym, dinner, etc., never, ever
leave any articles of any value whatsoever in your room, because there are a
dozen ways to get into a hotel room
