10 Airport Scams Every Traveler Should Know About

You picture airports as exciting launchpads for your next big adventure, buzzing with people heading off on vacations or meeting up with friends. And usually, they are.

But sometimes, bad actors hide in the crowd, waiting to take advantage of travelers who are just trying to get from point A to point B.

It sounds harsh, but when you are carrying luggage, feeling a bit sleepy, or looking down at your phone, you become an easy target for someone looking to make a quick buck off your confusion.

Being smart about travel isn’t just about packing the right clothes; it’s about keeping your guard up before you even board the plane. Scammers have gotten pretty clever, using everything from fake “free” Wi-Fi networks to shady taxi rides to trick you out of your money or personal info.

The good news is that once you know their tricks, they are super easy to spot. We’ve put together a list of the top ten things to watch out for so you can breeze through the terminal like a pro and focus on the fun part of your trip.

Airport Wi-Fi Scams

When you get to the airport, connecting to the free Wi-Fi feels like a reflex. You want to check your messages or scroll through social media while waiting for your flight. Scammers know this and set up fake Wi-Fi hotspots with names that look official, like “FREE_AIRPORT_WIFI”.

When you connect to one of these, they can see everything you do online. This means they could steal passwords to your social media accounts or banking apps right from under your nose.

To stay safe, always double-check the network name. Go to an information desk or look for official signs to find out the real name of the airport’s Wi-Fi. It’s a good idea to avoid doing anything sensitive, like online banking, while using public Wi-Fi.

If you must go online, using your phone’s data is a much safer bet. Taking a second to confirm the network can save you from a lot of trouble.

Security Scanning Ploys

Going through airport security can be chaotic, and some thieves use that chaos to their advantage. A common trick involves two people working together at the conveyor belt.

One person will purposely stall the line—maybe they forgot to take off a belt or left keys in their pocket—causing the metal detector to beep repeatedly.

While everyone is distracted by the hold-up, their partner on the other side grabs your laptop, wallet, or even your whole bin before you can get through the scanner to claim it.

You can outsmart these sneaky teams by keeping a close watch on your stuff until the very last second. Instead of putting small valuables like your phone or watch loose in a bin, tuck them deep inside your main carry-on bag so they aren’t easy to grab.

If you are traveling with a friend, send one person through first so they can stand ready to collect everyone’s bags as soon as they come out of the x-ray machine.

USB Charger Socket Malware

Seeing a public USB charging station when your phone is low on battery can feel like a lifesaver. But be careful, because some of these helpful-looking ports are traps. Bad guys can modify these sockets to install harmful software onto your phone as soon as you plug in.

This trick, sometimes called “juice jacking,” lets them copy your private information, like your contacts, messages, and even your banking passwords, without you knowing anything is wrong.

The safest way to charge your phone is by using your own power adapter and plugging it into a regular wall outlet. Bringing a portable power bank is another great option; you can charge your phone anywhere without connecting to a public port.

If you absolutely have to use a public USB station, a simple device called a data blocker can be plugged in first. It prevents any data from being transferred while still letting the power flow through to your phone.

Bluetooth and QR Code Phishing

Leaving your phone’s Bluetooth on can open a door for hackers. They can connect to your device without you knowing and steal your personal information. Another new trick involves QR codes. You might see them on posters for things like connecting to Wi-Fi or getting flight updates.

Scammers create fake QR codes and stick them over the real ones. When you scan the fake code, it can take you to a bogus website designed to steal your passwords or even install bad software on your phone.

To protect yourself, it’s a good habit to turn off your Bluetooth when you’re not using it. This closes that potential entry point for hackers. Be wary of scanning QR codes in public places. Before you scan, check if it looks like a sticker placed on top of another image.

If something seems off, it’s better to manually type in a website address or ask an airport employee for the correct information.