In the past, you needed to guard your wallet, especially when you’re traveling.

Pickpockets targeted cash-filled wallets, leading to the proliferation of money belts. But the global shift toward cashless transactions has changed all of that.

The new No. 1 target: your smartphone.

“Be mindful that when you bring out your phone, you’re waving dollar signs around. Somebody can snatch your phone and use the credit card on it,” travel expert Rick Steves told Travel + Leisure.

Not only can a pickpocket wipe your phone and resell it for significant money. More sophisticated operations have gotten savvier about accessing your digital finances through Apple Pay and Google Pay, payment apps, tickets for flights and concerts in digital wallets and more.

Earlier this year, police in Taipei, Taiwan warned travelers to be careful on the metro system after signs that an international crime group was targeting riders. London has been contending with a similar wave of phone thefts.

So, what can you do about it? First, be familiar with the apps you’ll be using on your trip. That way, you’re not standing in a street fumbling through your phone for a long period of time.

Also, be aware of your surroundings. In some areas, brazen thieves will snatch phones right out of your hands.

It’s also a great idea to add a password or biometric-protected phone lock — and to ensure you have a “find my phone” type app. Back up your data as well.

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The Team Clark Consumer Action Center is a free helpline that can help you navigate your money questions. Call 636-492-5275. Visit clark.com/cac for more information.