According to Opinium, one third of UK holidaymakers have reported a surge in travel scams on social media this year. That means digital security is just as important as packing your passport!
A few smart phone habits can be the difference between a holiday to remember, and a fraud claim you’ll have a hard time forgetting.
The good news? You don’t need to be a tech wizard to stay protected. A little know-how and the right tools go a very long way. The even better news? We’ve done all the research for you.
Spot fake public Wi-Fi hotspots.
Free Wi-Fi at the airport or the poolside café sounds like a dream. But it can quickly turn into a nightmare. Fraudsters routinely set up convincing spoofed networks in busy tourist spots (named things like “Airport_Free_WiFi” or “Hotel_Guest”) to trick you into connecting. Once you’re on their network, they can intercept anything you type: bank logins, passwords, and card details.
Before connecting anywhere new, always ask a member of staff for the exact network name. If it looks even slightly off, trust your gut and skip it entirely.
Secure your connection with IPVanish (iD Perks).
This is where iD Mobile has genuinely got your back. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) acts as a digital shield, encrypting your data. So even if you accidentally connect to a dodgy network, criminals can’t read what you’re sending.
Right now, there’s an exclusive iD Perk offering 83% off the IPVanish 2-Year Essential Plan — that’s unlimited simultaneous connections, so the whole family is covered in one go.
Here’s how to claim it:
- Open the iD Mobile app and head to the Perks section
- Find the IPVanish offer and tap ‘Get offer now’
- A unique redemption link will land straight in your inbox
Job done. You’re shielded before you’ve even left the departure lounge.
Watch out for phishing texts and booking scams.
Criminals are increasingly targeting UK tourists before they’ve even landed. You might get a message from a foreign number quoting your real hotel name and claiming your booking is about to be cancelled. Of course, the only way to stop this is to click a link immediately and enter your payment details.
Landing in an unfamiliar place, it can be convincing. It’s designed to panic you. And it absolutely works - unless you know the signs.
The golden rule here is simple: never click links in unexpected messages, however urgent they seem. If you’re genuinely worried about a booking, go directly to the official app or website and log in from there. Legitimate booking platforms will absolutely never ask you for card details over a WhatsApp message.
Outsmart pickpockets and phone thieves.
Physical theft is still one of the biggest threats in European tourist hotspots. Thieves have become especially cunning. Some use a technique called ‘shoulder surfing’ where they watch you enter your PIN before snatching your device. Once they have your phone and your PIN, your banking apps are wide open.
A few quick wins to stop them in their tracks:
- Switch to biometric logins like Face ID or fingerprint whenever you’re out in public
- Turn off message preview notifications on your lock screen so bank security codes stay hidden from prying eyes
If your phone is stolen, log into your iD Mobile account from another device straight away to block your SIM. This stops thieves running up fraudulent charges
Roam safely and save with iD Mobile.
Here’s the thing: your own mobile data is genuinely more secure than any public Wi-Fi network. And with iD Mobile, staying on your own trusted connection while abroad is easy on the wallet too.
iD Mobile customers save an average of £86 roaming in the EU compared to networks that charge daily roaming fees*. That’s a serious saving you can spend on something far more enjoyable - like tasting some local delicacies.
So rather than hunting down the hotel Wi-Fi password, you can stick to iD Mobile data. It keeps your personal information private and your holiday budget intact. So, you can relax and enjoy your vacation!
*Average saving of £86.76 against UK networks that charge daily for EU roaming on standard plans (EE, Vodafone, Three, Sky Mobile & Voxi) as of May 2026.
Stay savvy, stay safe.
Stick to your own mobile data or a trusted VPN and you’ll sidestep the dodgy Wi-Fi traps completely. Double-check every urgent booking message carefully before clicking anything, and make sure your device is physically secured before you hit the tourist trail. With iD Mobile’s inclusive EU roaming and the IPVanish Perk, the tools to stay safe abroad are already in your pocket.
Have you ever spotted a travel scam while on holiday? Let us know your very best tips for staying safe in the comments below.
