Authorities warn travellers about emerging scams related to this travel rule!
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Travelling is one of life's greatest joys, especially for those who have more time to explore the world.
However, planning a trip comes with a responsibility: watching out for potential scams.
The latest warning for Aussie travellers is critical due to a recently introduced system that could be a hotbed for fraudulent activities.
The United Kingdom's new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system should streamline entry into the country.
While it was initially introduced to Middle Eastern countries, the ETA is now available for Australians to use during their travels.
However, it could be an opportunity for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists.
Criminologist and NAB's Head of Security and Culture Laura Hartley warned travellers about the looming threat.
'With Australians requiring a travel permit to visit the UK and Europe in coming months, criminals will be looking to rip travellers off,' Ms Hartley said.
According to Ms Hartley, scammers may exploit the new system by setting up fake websites to rip travellers off through inflated fees.
Other scammers may offer 'services' to apply for the ETA on the traveller's behalf.
European law agencies like Frontex and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency have already identified over 100 fraudulent websites offering ETAs.
'We'd expect the number of these scam websites to continue to grow, given the transnational, organised criminals behind them,' Ms Hartley shared.
Ms Hartley reminded travellers to apply for an ETA through the official United Kingdom government website.
An ETA application should also cost $20.
If you are travelling to the UK soon and have yet to secure your ETA, here are some tips to protect yourself from the looming scam:
Use official channels: Apply for travel documents through official government websites.
Applicants for the UK ETA should head to the official UK government site to complete the process.
Be wary of sponsored links: Scammers often purchase sponsored search results or ads to lure people into their fake websites.
These sites may appear legitimate but are designed to steal financial and personal information. Always double-check the URL and look for signs of authenticity before entering any details.
Avoid unsecure payment methods: Never pay for an ETA using direct money transfer services or cryptocurrency.
These payment methods are difficult to trace and are not typically associated with legitimate visa processing.
Research is key: Do a quick Google search before applying for any travel visa or permit.
Use keywords like the name of the visa followed by the word 'scam'.
This search could bring up any reports or warnings from other travellers and reports about fraudulent websites.
Are you heading to the United Kingdom soon? Share your travel experiences and ETA application tips with us in the comments section below.
However, planning a trip comes with a responsibility: watching out for potential scams.
The latest warning for Aussie travellers is critical due to a recently introduced system that could be a hotbed for fraudulent activities.
The United Kingdom's new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system should streamline entry into the country.
While it was initially introduced to Middle Eastern countries, the ETA is now available for Australians to use during their travels.
However, it could be an opportunity for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists.
Travellers are now required to secure an ETA when travelling to the United Kingdom. Image Credit: Pexels/Nataliya Vaitkevich
Criminologist and NAB's Head of Security and Culture Laura Hartley warned travellers about the looming threat.
'With Australians requiring a travel permit to visit the UK and Europe in coming months, criminals will be looking to rip travellers off,' Ms Hartley said.
According to Ms Hartley, scammers may exploit the new system by setting up fake websites to rip travellers off through inflated fees.
Other scammers may offer 'services' to apply for the ETA on the traveller's behalf.
European law agencies like Frontex and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency have already identified over 100 fraudulent websites offering ETAs.
'We'd expect the number of these scam websites to continue to grow, given the transnational, organised criminals behind them,' Ms Hartley shared.
Ms Hartley reminded travellers to apply for an ETA through the official United Kingdom government website.
An ETA application should also cost $20.
If you are travelling to the UK soon and have yet to secure your ETA, here are some tips to protect yourself from the looming scam:
Use official channels: Apply for travel documents through official government websites.
Applicants for the UK ETA should head to the official UK government site to complete the process.
Be wary of sponsored links: Scammers often purchase sponsored search results or ads to lure people into their fake websites.
These sites may appear legitimate but are designed to steal financial and personal information. Always double-check the URL and look for signs of authenticity before entering any details.
Avoid unsecure payment methods: Never pay for an ETA using direct money transfer services or cryptocurrency.
These payment methods are difficult to trace and are not typically associated with legitimate visa processing.
Research is key: Do a quick Google search before applying for any travel visa or permit.
Use keywords like the name of the visa followed by the word 'scam'.
This search could bring up any reports or warnings from other travellers and reports about fraudulent websites.
