Warning over fake ticket inspector scam on UK trains

Magdalena Petrusic, a travel expert from London Tickets & Tours also warned of other risks associated with travelling by rail, including fake public Wi-fi networks.

She 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.  

Fake wi-fi networks are also a very real risk on trains (Image: Philip Toscano/PA Wire) “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.”  

Expert issues warnings over scams on UK trains

The expert from London Tickets & Tours warned of the following hazards and scams on UK trains:

Wi-fi scam 

The aforementioned wi-fi scam is a growing issue in areas popular with tourists such as London and Manchester.

This involves passengers connecting to a fake public wi-fi service while travelling, allowing scammers to steal personal information.

Fake train ticket inspectors  

Scammers can sometimes impersonate ticket inspectors to claim that a ticket is invalid before demanding payment on the spot.

These scammers may also pressure people into handing over card details.

The expert has warned of a number of scams train passengers should be aware of (Image: Lucy North/PA)

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Overpriced taxis  

Taxi drivers looking to squeeze more money out of passengers may inflate their prices or take longer routes.

Some drivers even claim that their meter is broken when picking people up from the station to trick unsuspecting travellers.

Fake Booking Websites  

Fake booking sites are a scourge that affects nearly everything, including festivals, flights and, of course, trains.

You should always ensure that you are using a trusted booking site when making a purchase.

Card skimming at ticket machines  

Fraudsters can attach skimming devices to ticket machines to steal credit card information.

Often, you 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.