Cybercriminals don't take vacations. Bank Pekao offers tips on how to avoid being scammed while on vacation.

Vacations are associated with relaxation, spontaneity, and a break from everyday responsibilities. However, it's also a time of increased activity for fraudsters who exploit the rush, excitement, and carefree spirit of travelers. Fake accommodation offers, carrier impersonations, data theft, and unauthorized card payments are just some of the threats tourists may encounter. That's why Bank Pekao has released a new guide, "Safe Travels with CyberPEKAO," which provides a step-by-step guide on how to ensure the security of your finances, data, and devices before, during, and after your trip.

Online security begins with users' everyday decisions. Even the best banking security measures cannot replace customer vigilance and online caution.

Bank Pekao conducts a number of educational activities in the area of ​​cybersecurity. One of these is the holiday guide, "Safe Travels with CyberPEKAO," whose message is simple: proper preparation before departure, common sense during travel, and vigilance upon return can effectively reduce the risk of fraud and the loss of money or data.

Vacation preparations begin online

A safe journey should begin even before leaving home. It's worth checking your card transaction limits, activating account activity notifications, and taking advantage of additional security features available in online banking, such as two-factor authentication, CyberRescue, and behavioral protection. The bank also reminds you about the possibility of blocking your PESEL number and the need to verify that your card is active for international payments.

Be especially careful when planning your vacation. Fraudsters regularly create fake websites and tempt you with exceptionally attractive offers for accommodations or last-minute trips.

"If an offer seems too good to be true, it's worth being especially cautious. Before booking, check the credibility of the company and the website you're purchasing from, as well as the reviews of other users. Be especially careful when purchasing trips from social media ads. It's safest to finalize such transactions directly with a travel agency, emphasizes Paulina Rosłoń, an expert at Bank Pekao S.A.

Caution also at the beach and airport

Threats persist while traveling. The bank urges caution when using payment cards and ATMs. Before confirming a payment, it's always worth verifying the amount displayed on the terminal and monitoring your transaction history. Unknown transactions should be reported to the bank immediately.

Experts also emphasize the importance of protecting your smartphone and other mobile devices, which have become the center of modern travel management.

"Today, losing a phone can be more devastating than losing a wallet. We store everything in one device." Access to bank accounts, email, private photos, conversations, documents, and personal data. This is also where we save tickets and hotel reservations. Therefore, it's worth protecting our devices as carefully as cash or payment cards, the expert adds.

It's also worth staying vigilant after the holidays.

As the guide points out, some threats only emerge after the holiday ends. Cybercriminals send messages claiming hotel surcharges, packages awaiting pickup, or other travel-related charges. The goal is to persuade recipients to click on links and provide login or payment card information.

Therefore, upon return, it's worth checking your account and card history, verifying all transactions, and reviewing active logins to your online accounts. This allows you to quickly detect unauthorized activity and limit potential losses.

Safe travels with cyberPEKAO – Safe travels with cyberPEKAO - Bank Pekao S.A.