BRITISH holidaymakers are being urgently warned of a popular new scam that is "easy" to fall victim to.
Cybercrooks are targeting unsuspecting tourists using "shoulder surfing" to steal personal data in seconds while you enjoy holidays abroad this summer.
Brits distracted by their surroundings abroad and using their phone to take pictures or get around are an easy target for cybercriminals to steal from.
The latest phenomenon taking shape is "shoulder surfing" where a person tries to steal personal data by watching from over your shoulder as you use a phone or other device.
A scammer will watch you unlock your phone using your passcode and note down the number sequence.
Then if they pinch your phone, they can unlock it in seconds – immediately gaining access to your mobile banking apps from your home screen.
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They can also use this sensitive information to commit identity theft.
Cyber expert Marijus Briedis from NordVPN told the Express: “While most travellers are trained to look out for pickpockets in popular destinations and not walk around with pockets of cash.
"Today’s scammers are much more focused on your mobile than your money belt."
However, there are plenty of ways to foil the potential thieves plans, including using face recognition technology, shielding your phone from prying eyes and always setting strong passwords.
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HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
To prevent shoulder surfing, experts suggest a number of tips for smartphone owners.
For starters, people should shield their keypad or screen from view by using their bodies or cupping their hands.
That includes, for example, covering the ATM keypad when entering your PIN or simply getting your phone out at a view to take a photo.
You can also use a privacy screen on your laptop or mobile device, which prevents onlookers from seeing your screen.
You should also be using strong passwords, two-factor authentication, or biometric authentication for added security layers.
If it is available, they recommend always setting up FaceID before you travel.
When in public, it's best to avoid saying any sensitive information over the phone.
Additionally, always lock your devices whenever you leave them somewhere, such as in the office.
The warning comes as one Brit victim lost his life-savings of £22,000 last year when he was pickpocketed on a night out.
Jacopo de Simone was forced to go through a 10-month battle with his bank to prove he was innocent.
He told the BBC: “I was completely frightened and alarming to see all your hard-earned money taken away from you.
“I was in complete shock about how it could have happened."
Now Jacopo is much more wary about how he uses his mobile phone while he is in public.
"This has completely changed how I use my banking apps today…I try not to [keep] the apps on the phone themselves.
"I find the threat of losing your phone and losing all your money is not worth having it all so easily accessible to you."
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