Can Airport Check-In Kiosks Lead to Identity Theft?
Identity Theft at the Airport
The introduction of self-service check-in kiosks at the airport were a welcome advance in technology. After all, isn’t everyone anxious to avoid airport check-in lines and less-than-helpful airport staff? Unfortunately, what most people don’t realize is these airport check-in kiosks may actually put you at risk of identity theft.
Who’s That Behind You?
You’re at the check-in kiosk and the system needs you to enter your credit card number or your frequent flyer number in order to confirm your identity. You pull your credit card out of your wallet or you type your frequent flyer number into the terminal. Unbeknownst to you, someone behind you is intent on identity theft and has just recorded the very sensitive information you just used to confirm your identity.
Considering how crowded airports are and how rushed we get when trying to catch a flight, the above scenario isn’t impossible. With so many people milling about you, you may not notice someone discreetly looking over your shoulder.
How Secure Are They?
Another thing you need to ask is how secure the information is that you enter into the airport kiosks. What measures are taken to protect your information from identity theft criminals? It may be possible for hackers to get the information from them, putting scores of credit card numbers at risk.