Moving targets

By Bonnie Smith

While out of their usual routines and headspace, travellers may beĀ susceptible to fraudsters.

 

As a business traveller,Ā you carry more than just your laptop and a positive attitude. Between your tech, your corporate credit cards, and that watch you wear to impress clients, you could be toting around R50,000 to R200,000 in value. Thatā€™s quite a tempting target for those with less-than-honest intentions.

Business travellers are particularly vulnerable to scams because they often have their guard down. Theyā€™re thinking about work, not about potential threats. Thatā€™s where a lot of problems can start. Added to that, many business travellers are operating on tight schedules, are often sleep-deprived, and may be unfamiliar with local customs and potential risks. Itā€™s a perfect storm that scammers are all too happy to exploit. So, what are these scams targeting business travellers, and how can you avoid them?

Fair fares

Inflated taxi fares are one of the most prevalent scams, and they occur right as you step off the plane. Unscrupulous taxi drivers may take advantage of a travellerā€™s unfamiliarity with the local area by taking unnecessarily long routes or using rigged meters. This scam can significantly inflate transportation costs.

Use reputable transportation services. Many travel management companies can arrange reliable airport transfers for their clients. If you have to take a taxi, ask your hotel for a fare estimate beforehand.

Sensible signal

In todayā€™s always-on business world, WiFi is like oxygen. But that free hotel or cafĆ© WiFi ā€“ it might come with a side of data theft. Cyber criminals set up fake WiFi networks with names like ā€˜Free Airport WiFiā€™ or ā€˜Hotel Guest Networkā€™. When you connect, they can see everything youā€™re doing online.

Rather use a VPN when connecting to public WiFi. Itā€™s like an invisibility cloak for your data. Or better yet, use your phone as a hotspot.

Conditional gift

It starts with a friendly local offering you a bracelet or taking your photo. Next thing you know, theyā€™re demanding payment. Once you accept the ā€˜giftā€™, the scammer pressures you to pay for it. Sometimes, itā€™s just a distraction so that an accomplice can pick your pocket.

Make sure you know what you need to know about local customs and common scams. Itā€™s like getting a cheat sheet for the test of travel.

Go with a pro

With one in five consumers experiencing travel fraud and holiday scams, which is up 7% in the past year according to a Visa survey, bypassing your companyā€™s travel programme is risky business. You might think youā€™ve found a great deal online, but beware. Scammers create fake listings on websites or social media with stolen photos and fake reviews. You could pay for a non-existent reservation or fall victim to identity theft through a fraudulent booking site.

Rather stick with your corporate travel programme. It uses verified channels, reducing fraud risk while it finds suitable options within your budget, because all accommodation is vetted. When you book outside the system, you lose crucial safeguards against sophisticated scams.

Donā€™t beat yourself up if you do get scammed. Report it to local authorities promptly, then contact your bank or credit card company. Inform your company directly and document everything for insurance purposes.

Caught out on cash

Need to exchange some money? Be careful ā€“ this is a prime hunting ground for scammers. You might get offered great rates by a street vendor, only to end up with counterfeit bills or less money than you should have received. Stick to official exchange bureaus or use ATMs inside banks.

Text |Ā Bonnie Smith

Photography | LightField Studios

Bonnie Smith is General Manager of Corporate Traveller. For more information, go toĀ corporatetraveller.co.za.

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