BRITISH holidaymakers have been warned not to charge their phones using USB ports at airports because of a horrific “juice jacking” scam.
The shocking truth was revealed by a travel guru and could be a major lifesaver for many people flying in 2024.
The travel guru explained exactly which charging points to avoid at airportsTikTok/@travelpiratesus
The expert claims portable charging ports are the best way to avoid your personal data being stolenTikTok/@travelpiratesus
GettyPlugging your phone into USB charging sockets at airports runs the risk of your phone being hacked[/caption]
In a video uploaded onto the Travel Pirates TikTok account, a travel search platform for holidaymakers, the expert states flyers should be wary of threats to their phone’s security.
That’s because the popular airport charging stations are a beacon for vicious malware and monitoring software to hack into your phones.
Pointing to one of the USB ports, the expert (@travelpiratesus) said: “Do not touch those, do not put your phone in those, do not charge your phone there. You will regret it.”
She goes on to inform viewers that the FBI has issued an urgent warning about juice jacking at airports and stations.
The term “juice jacking” is used to describe the process of cybercriminals using USB ports and station at airports to steal your data.
“Fun, right?” the expert joked in her post.
In order to stay safe and avoid risking your personal data being stolen and sold by criminals, it has been recommended to use portable battery packs to charge your phone instead.
This has also been enforced by the FBI, who encourage travellers to purchase the handy gadgets to protect sensitive data and stay one step ahead.
The video has received more than 3,800 comments as travellers were quick to express their thoughts on the potential dangers they face.
One person said: “I warned people months ago and was called crazy.”
However, many others offered other alternatives and ways to safely charge your phone in airports.
“You can plug in via the prongs just not the USB cord only,” explained one.
“Just bring portable charger and charge that instead of directly charging your phone,” said another.
A third person commented: “You can use electrical outlets with the charger base, or get power-only USB cables that don’t have data pins.”
Elsewhere, a hotel safety expert has revealed the dangerous mistake Brit tourists make when they use the phone in their hotel rooms.
Staying in a hotel is meant to be a relaxing experience, but some holidaymakers can let their guard down too easily.
And a clever hack to charge your phone if you’ve forgotten an adaptor on your next trip has also been revealed.
The game-changing hack was revealed by travel expert Mark Saltzman, who claims that all you need is the hotel TV.
Common travel scams
Here are some of the top travel scams to watch out for ahead of your next holiday abroad.
Hotel room trick
Holidaymakers have been warned of a new hotel scam that fleeces travellers out of their hard-earned cash.
Crooks are targeting unsuspecting travellers in their hotels and getting hold of their card details by calling up and asking for your room number.
Once reception puts them through, they can lie and tell you they are calling from the hotel, before asking you to confirm your card details/
Visa fraudtsers
Travelling to top holiday destinations could leave you vulnerable to scams under new visa rules.
The EU has admitted that its new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) scheme could be open to abuse by fraudsters.
EU guidance suggests that companies could “engage in abusive practices” that con, or even defraud, customers.
Stalking and theft
People staying in hotels have also been warned of posting pictures of their accommodation as soon as they arrive.
That’s because reveal your exact location and the duration of your stay, could leave you vulnerable to stalking or targeted theft.
You should also never post your room number online, as criminals and other guests could seek to charge things to your room.