Travel expert Laura Evans-Fisk has issued a warning to all travellers across the U.S. who plan to use their credit cards to settle their restaurant bills. According to Evans-Fisk, there has been a significant increase in credit card fraud in the restaurant industry, and travellers need to be cautious when using their cards to avoid falling victim to these scams.
Evans-Fisk, who has been in the travel industry for over 15 years, has seen a rise in the number of travellers reporting fraudulent charges on their credit card statements after dining at restaurants. She believes that this is a growing problem that needs to be addressed, and travellers need to be aware of the risks involved.
In an exclusive interview, Evans-Fisk shared her insights on the matter and provided some tips for travellers to protect themselves from credit card fraud while dining out.
First and foremost, Evans-Fisk advises travellers to be vigilant when using their credit cards at restaurants. She suggests that travellers should always keep an eye on their card and ensure that it is not taken out of their sight. Many restaurants have handheld card readers, which makes it easier for fraudsters to copy the card information without the cardholder’s knowledge.
Evans-Fisk also recommends travellers to check their credit card statements regularly. She says that it is essential to review the charges and ensure that they are all legitimate. If there are any suspicious charges, travellers should immediately contact their credit card company and report the issue.
Another tip from Evans-Fisk is to use a credit card with a chip instead of a magnetic strip. The chip technology is more secure and makes it difficult for fraudsters to copy the card information. She also suggests using a credit card with a low credit limit while travelling, as it minimizes the potential loss in case of fraud.
Travellers should also be cautious when giving their credit card information over the phone. Evans-Fisk advises travellers to only provide their card details to reputable restaurants and to avoid giving it over the phone to unknown or suspicious establishments.
In addition to these precautions, Evans-Fisk also recommends travellers to use cash or a prepaid card instead of a credit card when dining at smaller, local restaurants. These establishments may not have the same level of security measures in place, making them more vulnerable to credit card fraud.
Evans-Fisk’s warning comes at a time when the travel industry is slowly recovering from the impact of the pandemic. With more people travelling and dining out, the risk of credit card fraud is also increasing. Therefore, it is crucial for travellers to be aware of these risks and take necessary precautions to protect themselves.
However, Evans-Fisk also emphasizes that travellers should not let this warning discourage them from using their credit cards while travelling. She believes that credit cards are still a convenient and safe way to make payments, as long as travellers are cautious and take necessary measures to protect themselves.
In conclusion, travel expert Laura Evans-Fisk’s warning serves as a reminder for travellers to be vigilant and take necessary precautions when using their credit cards to settle restaurant bills. By being aware of the risks and following the tips provided, travellers can enjoy their dining experiences without worrying about falling victim to credit card fraud. So, go ahead and explore the diverse culinary scene across the U.S., but remember to keep your credit card information safe and secure. Happy travels!
