Executive Brief 007
Author: Simon Hewitt, CEIO, OtherPay Pty Ltd
The increasing risk of fraud when travelling
Traveling should be an exciting and liberating experience, yet for many, it comes with an exponentially greater risk of purchase fraud.
Listen to this article • 4:19 min
Unlike routine transactions at home – which are already at risk of fraud – tourists face a heightened level of criminal attention, as they are often less focused on security, unfamiliar with local pricing norms, and susceptible to deceptive merchant practices.
Whether through unauthorised card transactions, inflated prices, or double charging, tourists are prime targets for fraud.
OtherPay provides a seamless, secure solution that eliminates these risks by shielding a traveller’s original payment cards from exposure, ensuring financial safety and peace of mind wherever they go.
The Elevated Risks Tourists Face
1. Increased Criminal Focus:
Tourists are prime targets for fraudsters, as they are often preoccupied with exploring new places, carrying higher spending limits, and using cards more frequently in unfamiliar environments.
2. Relaxed Vigilance:
When on vacation, travellers are typically more focused on enjoyment than security. This relaxed mindset creates gaps in attention, making it easier for criminals to execute fraudulent activities unnoticed.
3. Merchant Manipulation & Pricing Fraud
Some merchants take advantage of tourists by inflating prices, charging hidden fees, or processing multiple transactions without detection. Due to currency conversions, language barriers, and unfamiliarity with local pricing, these fraudulent tactics often go unnoticed until it’s too late.
4. Exposure of Payment Card Details:
Every time a tourist presents their payment card, they expose sensitive financial information. This increases the risk of card cloning, unauthorised use, and digital skimming – especially in high-tourist areas where these crimes are rampant.
A Risk Worth Considering
You wouldn’t drive on snow with regular tyres – the risk is too great. The conditions will have changed, making what was once safe now dangerously unpredictable.
Yet, when travelling, many people use their primary payment cards as if nothing has changed, despite the heightened risk of fraud.
Unfamiliar merchants, different payment systems, and criminals who specifically target tourists make fraud exponentially more likely.
In a foreign country, distractions, language barriers, and a more relaxed mindset often make tourists more vulnerable.
OtherPay acts as your financial safety buffer, shielding your real cards from exposure – just like tyre chains would keep you safe and secure on a road covered in deep snow.
The Secure Payment Layer for Travellers
OtherPay is designed to negate all these risks, providing travellers with a protective shield for their finances while ensuring seamless and secure global transactions.
1. Protection from Card Exposure:
2. Prevention of Unauthorised Transactions:
Transactions can only be authorised by the legitimate user while the OtherPay products will only work when needed by the legitimate user and for only the amount expected to be paid, ensuring that fraudulent merchant practices – like inflating prices or double charging – cannot succeed.
3. Security Layer for Greater Merchant Confidence:
4. Smart Controls for Ultimate Security:
Conclusion
The reality of travel is that the risk of purchase fraud doesn’t just increase – it escalates exponentially due to the heightened attention of criminals, a traveller’s relaxed focus, and dishonest merchant practices.
For example, in Brazil, the risk of tourist related purchase fraud increases by 700%.
OtherPay offers a comprehensive, foolproof solution, ensuring that travellers enjoy their journey without financial vulnerabilities.
By shielding original payment cards from view, preventing unauthorised transactions, and offering secure layers of protection, OtherPay empowers tourists with financial security, convenience, and confidence, no matter where they explore.
With OtherPay, you’re not just travelling – you’re travelling smart and secure.
