Protecting Your Money: A Traveler's Guide to Staying Safe From Financial Scams

When you’re exploring new destinations, the last thing on your mind should be security breaches. Yet digital payments mean your finances are constantly at risk. Cybersecurity professionals have identified several critical vulnerabilities that travelers face — and the good news is that most can be prevented with the right precautions. Here’s what you need to know to remain safe from common financial threats while on the road.

Rethink Your Payment Methods

Every card transaction carries inherent risks. Payment skimmers — devices installed into card readers — can capture your card details in seconds. Tony Anscombe, chief security evangelist for ESET, offers a straightforward solution: “When swiping a physical card, use a credit card rather than a debit card. If the card gets skimmed, this buys time to resolve the issue with the card company and does not leave you with an empty bank account.”

For online purchases, there’s an even better option. Most financial institutions now allow customers to generate temporary virtual card numbers that work once or can be deactivated immediately after use. This approach keeps you safe from having your actual account information exposed during transactions.

Secure Your Mobile Device Above All Else

Your phone is essentially a master key to your financial world. Aimee Simpson from cybersecurity firm Huntress emphasizes that phones should be treated with the same protection level as physical wallets: “Your device contains everything needed to access your accounts, so keeping it physically secure is non-negotiable.”

Practical measures include never displaying your phone while walking through unfamiliar areas, avoiding leaving it unattended on tables or chairs, and keeping it concealed in your pocket or bag. Phone snatching remains one of the fastest ways thieves gain access to sensitive data.

Enable Remote Security Features Before You Leave

Prevention starts before your trip begins. Joe Cronin from International Citizens Insurance recommends: “Enable remote tracking and wipe capabilities on your phone in advance. This capability allows you to prevent unauthorized access to personal information and financial applications if your device is lost or stolen.”

Setting up these features while still at home ensures you’re prepared for worst-case scenarios and can respond immediately if theft occurs.

Protect Your Connections on Public Networks

Public WiFi networks are hunting grounds for data interception. When you connect to open networks at airports, hotels, or cafes, cybercriminals can monitor your traffic. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) adds critical protection by encrypting all data flowing between your device and the internet, making information unreadable to potential interceptors.

This is especially important when checking bank accounts or making financial transactions while traveling. The encryption creates a secure tunnel that keeps you safe from eavesdropping on shared networks.

Think Twice About Public Charging Stations

Those convenient USB charging ports at travel hubs present a hidden danger. Eric Plam, chief revenue officer at SIMO, explains: “Hackers can modify these charging stations so that your device silently authorizes a data connection. This opens pathways for malware installation or theft of sensitive information, including login credentials and email access.”

Better alternatives include bringing your own wall charger, using charge-only cables (not data cables), or investing in a portable power bank. These simple choices keep you safe from sophisticated charging-station attacks.

Don’t Overlook Traditional Threats

Not all financial fraud happens digitally. Melanie McGovern from the Better Business Bureau reminds travelers that mail theft remains a viable attack vector: “When traveling, place a hold on your mail with the Postal Service. This prevents documents containing private account information from accumulating visibly at your home, which advertises your absence to potential thieves.”

This step also reduces the risk of identity theft through document interception and makes your home appear occupied.

The Bottom Line

Traveling doesn’t mean compromising financial security. By implementing these expert-recommended strategies — from using credit cards instead of debit cards, enabling remote phone access, protecting your WiFi connections, and managing your physical security — you can enjoy your journey while keeping your finances protected. Stay vigilant, plan ahead, and you’ll remain safe from the scams that catch unprepared travelers off guard.