Travel is booming in 2025, but so are scams. The FTC reports that US consumers lost over $274 million to travel-related fraud last year, and scammers are getting bolder: from fake airline hotlines to Wi-Fi honeypots at airports.

Travel Expert explains the latest scams targeting tourists, why they’re rising, and practical steps every traveler should take to protect themselves. See full release below.

Travellers Beware: The New Scams Targeting Tourists in 2025

From fake airline hotlines to Wi-Fi honeypots, scammers are evolving fast, and unsuspecting tourists are paying the price.

Tourism may be booming again, but so are scams that exploit eager travelers. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), US consumers lost $274 million to travel-related fraud in 2024, with the average victim losing nearly $1,000.

Transfeero warns that scammers are refining their tactics in 2025, blending old tricks with digital deception to lure unsuspecting tourists.

Scams to Watch Out For in 2025

Fake Airline Customer Service Numbers

 Fraudsters set up websites or Google ads with counterfeit airline numbers. When travelers call to change or cancel flights, they’re tricked into handing over personal or payment information.

“Too Good to Be True” Vacation Rentals

 Fraudulent listings on unverified platforms or cloned websites promise luxury villas at bargain rates. Victims often discover the property doesn’t exist or is already occupied.

Taxi and Ride-Hailing Cons

 Classic scams persist, including “long-route driving” to inflate fares or rigged card readers that overcharge passengers. Tourists in unfamiliar cities are prime targets.

Airport & Hotel Wi-Fi Honeypots

 Cybercriminals set up fake “Free Wi-Fi” networks in airports, cafes, or hotels. Once connected, a traveler’s data, emails, banking logins, even boarding passes, can be intercepted.

Fake Tour Guides & Street Sellers

 In popular tourist hotspots, unlicensed guides offer “discounted” excursions or sellers push counterfeit tickets, often leaving travelers stranded or scammed.

Quick Tips for Safer Travel

• Verify websites & phone numbers through the official airline or hotel app.
  
• Book through trusted platforms with verified hosts and reviews.
  
• Use ride-hailing apps and follow routes on your phone to avoid taxi scams.
  
• Avoid public Wi-Fi unless secured with a VPN.
  
• Trust your instincts. If an offer feels too good to be true, it usually is.

“In 2025, travel scams are evolving beyond the obvious street-level tricks into sophisticated digital schemes. What makes them dangerous is their believability: fake customer service hotlines and professional-looking rental sites prey on stressed or rushed travelers who don’t pause to double-check. The financial loss is damaging, but the disruption to a trip can be even more devastating.

The best defense is awareness and vigilance. Always verify you’re on an official airline or hotel site before entering payment details, and avoid clicking links from unsolicited emails or texts. For accommodations, stick with reputable platforms and look for verified host badges. When in taxis or rideshares, use in-app navigation to confirm the route and check fares. And never connect to public Wi-Fi without a VPN.

Ultimately, scams thrive on distraction and urgency: two things travelers experience often. By slowing down, checking twice, and sticking to official channels, tourists can dramatically reduce their risk of falling victim,” says Travel Expert, Andrea Platania from Transfeero.