Phone users urged 'turn off Wi-Fi' on the train as cases reported

Accessing public wi-fi at UK train stations can make passengers an easy target for hackers, security experts have warned

UK travellers going through busy cities have been issued a warning by travel experts, explaining how mobile phones and personal data could be at risk. The warning was issued by London Tickets and Tours' travel expert, Magdalena Petrusic.

Petrusic revealed how travellers using public wi-fi can be a risky manoeuvre if they're passing through a train station. This is because many networks that are open to the public are accessible to hackers because they're unencrypted, reports Express.co.uk.

Therefore, these internet crooks can get their hands on your sensitive information like usernames, passwords and personal detail. The information becomes available as you enter them on apps and websites. It comes as a number of UK stations were targeted in a cyber attack last month in which Islamophobic messages were shown to passengers attempting to access the Wi-Fi.

READ MORE: I went to Benidorm and found UK tourists had fallen in love with unexpected item banned in UK

Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp, click the link to join

To avoid being exposed to hackers, it's recommended that you use your own personal data and avoid public wi-fi hotspots. Petrusic said: "Using public wi-fi when travelling through any train station is risky.

"Many public wi-fi networks are unencrypted, meaning data transmitted over the network can be intercepted by hackers. Hackers can intercept sensitive information like passwords, usernames, or personal details as you enter them on websites or apps.

"Therefore, it is always recommended to use your personal data and even avoid hotspots which could be fake. If you do not have data and need to use wi-fi, you can use a VPN (Virtual Private Network), which makes it much harder for hackers to intercept or view your data."

Petrusic has shared five important tips for UK travellers to help avoid falling victim to a train and travel scam.

Wi-Fi scams

In tourist-heavy destinations like London or Manchester, scammers will set up fake public Wi-Fi networks.

This means that when connecting, they can steal personal information, including an individual's home address, passwords, social media, credit card details and more.

It is always recommended to avoid sharing personal data, and if an individual needs to use Wi-Fi, use a VPN.

Fake train ticket inspectors

Scammers can impersonate train staff or ticket inspectors and ask to see your ticket. They will then claim the ticket is invalid and tell you to pay an on-the-spot fine. These fraudsters may pressure an individual into handing over cash or card details.

Always ensure to show the ticket to the official train staff and real ticket inspectors. These people will have uniforms and badges.

However, if unsure, ask to see the inspector's ID or verify their legitimacy with another staff member.

Overpriced taxis

Drivers who want to make more money from someone can inflate prices or take longer routes to overcharge unfamiliar travellers. Some drivers can also claim their meter is broken.

Especially in London, it is important to never get in a black cab if a meter is not there. Also check if the taxi is legitimate, as often scammers operate unlicensed taxis, and pose as official drivers but lack proper licenses. Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber, where prices are pre-determined.

Fake booking websites

Whenever you book modes of transport such as train tickets, flight tickets or even hotel accommodation, always ensure to use the travel networks’ official website or a trusted booking website such as Trainline or Booking.com.

Scammers can create fraudulent websites that mimic legitimate travel operators or accommodation platforms, tricking travellers into booking non-existent flights or hotels.

Card skimming at ticket machines

Fraudsters can attach skimming devices to a ticket machine to steal credit card information when passengers swipe their cards to buy tickets. Often, Brits can spot a machine that has been tampered with if something looks unusual, like loose parts or extra attachments.

To be extra safe, try to use contactless payment methods or official apps to purchase tickets directly on your phone, avoiding physical machines.