Summer Vacation Tips from the AARP Fraud Watch Network

1. Wi-Fi dangers: Most public Wi-Fi hot spots are unsecure, and many people are unaware of the risks. The biggest danger is falling victim to a “man in the middle” attack, when a hacker creates a barrier between your device and the Wi-Fi connection. Instead of working directly with the hot spot, you send your transmissions (and personal information) to the hacker. On vacation or elsewhere, avoid doing sensitive transactions like online shopping and banking via public Wi-Fi.

2. Takeout fake-out: Don’t trust photocopied fliers for eateries left under hotel doors, especially if they only include a phone number but no address. In one scheme popular in family-friendly theme park locales, when you call to order pizza or Chinese food, you’re asked for a credit card. The swindlers use your account number and confirmation code to make fraudulent charges. Ask the hotel front-desk clerk for recommendations and pay in cash after your meal is delivered.

3. Front-desk fraud: Hotel guests receive a phone call in the middle of the night, supposedly from the front desk. There’s a problem with your payment, the caller says, asking you to confirm your credit card number. Only it’s not hotel staff calling (they’d wait until morning); it’s a scammer using a lobby phone. Never give your account numbers in unsolicited calls; contact the front desk yourself.

4. Cabbie cons: Don’t peruse maps or take in the scenery while in taxicabs; those kinds of distractions could prompt a “long haul” rip-off in which drivers take an unnecessarily longer route to hike up the fare. In another common scam, a cabbie takes you to your destination, opens the trunk and then hands over your change before removing your luggage. While you’re counting it, he slams the trunk and quickly drives off — with your baggage. To avoid this scenario, inquire at hotels and airports how much the fare to your destination should be and which taxi companies to use. Once in a cab, write down the driver’s name, cab number and company.