Airports are often fast-paced and packed full of other passengers jetting off to various destinations.
But not everyone has good intentions, and travellers have been urged to protect their personal information when heading away.
An expert has issued a scam warning to tourists over a common airport habit that could put them at risk.
Silvena Nonev, who works with Scandinavia Private Tours, advises travellers do something small and simple.
She told Huffington Post: ‘Always, always, always flip your information card backwards.’
The expert refers to luggage tags, which passengers often put on cases to help identify them if they become lost.
It’s common to put personal data like home addresses, phone number and emails so the baggage’s owner is easily found.
But, this is often very sensitive information, and not something that many would want to be accessible to everyone.
Silvena Nonev, who works with Scandinavia Private Tours, advises travellers do something small and simple (stock)
‘I see countless travellers every single day with their names, phone numbers, and even home addresses on full display,’ Silvena explained.
The expert advises to turn the card around, so the information isn’t so easy to see.
She added: ‘If someone knows your name, number, and address, they already have enough to attempt identity fraud or, at the very least, harass you.’
Airline staff and security can always turn the tag over if needed, Silvena pointed out.
Meanwhile, other people passing by won’t easily ‘get a free peek into your life’.
When passengers get to their destination, they should be wary about what they share, too.
Often during check in, key cards are handed over in a smart envelope with the room number and hotel name written on it.
Security expert Daniel Loo, owner of North Star Group, previously explained how this could cause issues.
She said: ‘Always, always, always flip your information card backwards’
‘Leaving a key card in its sleeve with the room number visible is essentially handing someone both your key and the address to use it,’ Daniel told Reader’s Digest.
He went on to share how if the card went missing, it would be easy for someone to locate the room.
‘If it’s lost or stolen, it makes unauthorised entry almost effortless for someone with bad intent,’ Daniel added.
The hotel room number is a vital piece of information that staff members try to be quiet about too for the safety of guests.
