8 Travel Scams Reported in Popular Tourist Areas — How to Spot and Avoid Them

4. Public Wi‑Fi, QR code, and tech scams

Tech-enabled scams are growing as travelers rely on phones for everything from maps to boarding passes. Fraudsters set up “twin” Wi‑Fi networks that mimic official connections at airports or cafes to intercept logins, or they tamper with QR codes that link to fake payment pages. The FBI and FCC advise avoiding sensitive transactions on public networks and using a VPN when accessing accounts abroad. Before joining a network, confirm the exact SSID with staff. Avoid auto-connecting to open networks and disable file sharing on your device. For QR codes, inspect the placement and confirm the URL that opens; legitimate providers usually use short, recognizable domains or official apps. When making payments, use trusted apps or card readers and check the site’s security indicators. Keep your device and apps updated, enable multi-factor authentication where available, and be cautious when asked to grant extensive permissions. A few tech-savvy precautions greatly reduce the chance of credential theft or a malicious redirect while you travel.