Security expert shares tips to avoid airport scams

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Airports might seem secure, but scammers are finding ways to target travelers.

WINK News security analyst Richard Kolko visited the airport to chat with passengers about scams that are becoming more common.

Kolko highlighted a list from AAA detailing 11 scams travelers might encounter at airports. He spoke with passengers at RSW to see if they were aware of these risks.

One of these scams is "juice jacking," where charging cables at public charging stations can install malware on phones. Susan Christine of Connecticut shared her approach to avoiding this risk.

"I always bring my own charger, okay, and plug in," said Christine.

Another common threat is connecting to public Wi-Fi sites that mimic official networks. Aaron Winge of Ohio discussed his cautious approach to this issue.

"No, I rarely use public Wi-Fi," said Winge. "Because I don't want anybody breaking into my passwords."

Payment card fraud is another scam to watch out for, with skimmers often found at airports. Winge initially preferred using his debit card but reconsidered after learning about the benefits of credit card protection.

"That's good to know," said Winge. "Yeah, maybe I'll use my credit card instead of my debit card."

Fake airline and airport employees may try to steal personal information, leading to identity theft.

Travelers are urged to stay vigilant, protect their electronic devices, and conduct research before traveling to ensure a safe journey.