32 Common Travel Scams and How to Avoid Them Like a Pro

11. The Fake Wi-Fi Hub Scam

Finding free Wi-Fi while traveling feels like striking gold, but hackers know this too. Fraudulent public Wi-Fi networks—often named something innocuous like “Free Airport Wi-Fi” or “Guest Café Network”—are created by cybercriminals to steal your personal data. Once connected, they can monitor everything you type, including login credentials, credit card details, and private messages. Worse, some fake networks can install malware onto your device without you realizing it, allowing scammers to access your accounts long after you’ve disconnected. How to Avoid It: Always use Wi-Fi from reputable sources—hotels, cafés, and official airport networks. If you must use public Wi-Fi, never access sensitive accounts like online banking or emails. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) adds an extra layer of security by encrypting your data. When in doubt, stick to mobile data or invest in an international SIM card to avoid needing sketchy Wi-Fi in the first place.