6 new scams targeting travellers in 2026

How to stay a step ahead of petty criminals and cyber scams.

We all know the classic travel scams: taxi drivers who refuse to use the meter, ‘free’ gifts from street sellers, pickpockets in Europe, and phone snatchers in London. But the scams emerging in 2026 are far more sophisticated and much harder to recognise. Using artificial intelligence, fake websites and everyday technology such as QR codes, criminals are finding new ways to trick travellers into handing over money, personal information and sensitive details. These are the travel scams that every traveller needs to know about in 2026.

QR code scams

One of the fastest-growing travel scams involves QR codes, common at restaurants, airports, hotels, parking machines, tourist attractions and public transport stations. Scammers place fake QR code stickers over genuine ones, sending travellers to websites designed to steal passwords, payment details or personal information. This type of scam is known as ‘quishing’ (QR code phishing). A recent McAfee report found that 62% of travellers are scanning QR codes while travelling. The danger usually begins after the scan, when a website asks you to enter personal details, make a payment, log in or download something. Travellers should be especially cautious with QR codes found in public places.

AI-powered scams

Unsurprisingly, artificial intelligence is creating new risks for travellers. Scammers are using AI tools to identify where holiday photos were taken, even if location information has been removed from the file. Some AI programs are able to identify locations with more than 90% accuracy, allowing scammers to identify your destination and create personalised messages that appear genuine, pretending to be a local business, accommodation provider or travel company. All it takes is a photo of a hotel, landmark, restaurant or street to reveal clues about where you are staying or travelling.

Fake booking, emails and reservation hijacking

Another growing scam involves fake booking emails and messages. Criminals pretend to be airlines, hotels, booking websites or travel companies and use real information such as your hotel name, travel dates or booking reference to appear legitimate. They may claim there is a problem with your reservation and ask you to make an urgent payment or confirm personal details. These ‘reservation hijacking‘ scams can be difficult to spot because they often look professional and convincing.

Fake accommodation, flights and tours

Fake accommodation, flight and tour listings are also becoming more common. Scammers are using copied photos, fake reviews and AI-generated descriptions and images to create realistic-looking travel offers. Some travellers have paid for holiday homes, tours or flights that do not exist. A common warning sign is when someone asks for payment by bank transfer or outside a trusted booking platform. Travellers should always check reviews, confirm website addresses and verify offers before making payments.

Smart luggage scams

Many travellers now use AirTags, Tile trackers and smart luggage devices to keep track of their belongings. Scammers are exploiting this by sending fake notifications claiming luggage has been lost, delayed or needs verification. These messages may direct travellers to fake airline websites asking for passport details or other personal information. Travellers should always check luggage updates through their airline’s official app or website instead of clicking links in unexpected messages.

Visa, passport and biometric scams

Scammers posing as airport officials, claiming your visa or biometric scan isn’t working – but they can fix it for a fee – is an emerging tactic. Identity security specialists IDCARE have reported a significant increase in fraudulent activity involving personal information. Travellers should be aware of fake visa services, passport assistance websites and false biometric boarding fees. Airlines and airports do not charge passengers extra fees for biometric processing. Any request for payment should be treated with suspicion.

Tips to stay safe while travelling:

• Do not scan unknown QR codes, especially in public places or from unexpected messages.
• Never enter passwords, payment details or personal information after scanning a QR code unless you are certain the website is genuine.
• Check booking emails carefully and contact hotels, airlines or travel companies through their official websites.
• Avoid clicking links in unexpected emails, texts or social media messages.
• Be cautious of travel deals that seem too good to be true.
• Use trusted booking platforms and avoid paying by bank transfer.
• Check website addresses carefully fake websites often use small spelling changes or extra words.
• Look for “https” and the padlock symbol before entering payment details.
• Reverse image search accommodation photos to check if they have been copied from other websites.
• Be cautious of listings with perfect photos but few, vague or suspicious reviews.
• Ask accommodation providers for a live video walkthrough or recent photos before booking.
• Always check luggage notifications through your airline’s official app or website.
• Never pay a fee for biometric boarding or unexpected passport verification.
• Keep your phone, apps and software updated.
• Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication where possible.
• Avoid sharing too much travel information publicly while you are away.
• If a message creates pressure to act quickly, stop and verify it first.
• Trust your instincts if something feels unusual, check before you click or pay.

This article is a Holidays with Kids digital exclusive.

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