Protecting yourself from Identity Theft while traveling
Identity theft is a fast growing problem affecting millions of people worldwide. From stolen credit cards to total identity kidnapping, these crimes are one of the most difficult to detect and hardest to resolve. Most prevalent pieces of information used are your social security number and birth date; this along with your full name makes it quite easy for someone to take your identity.
Identity thieves are always looking for opportunities when and where you least expect. Travelers especially must be alert of such situations. Here are some tips to keep in mind especially while on your trip:
· Only take what’s absolutely necessary. Take as few credit cards as possible and leave any identifying information such as your social security card, birth certificate, checkbook, or any personal identification number at home. Make photocopies of travel documents and keep them in a secure location (travel pouch). Most importantly, never under any circumstances leave personal items unattended for any amount of time.
· Watch for shoulder-surfers. When entering PIN numbers or a credit card number in an ATM machine, at a phone booth, or even on a computer/laptop, be aware of who is nearby and make sure nobody is peering over your shoulder to make a note of the keys you’re pressing.
· Use your ATM/Credit Cards sparingly. Only use your ATM card at well known banking centers or facilities for cash withdrawals only. ATM scams are very common in high traffic tourist areas and once your ATM is stolen funds are taken directly from your bank account. Also replacing a lost or stolen ATM card can be costly and you most likely will detect the problem upon returning home or receiving your bank statement. For purchases it is recommended you use cash or a credit card. Sticking with only one card during your trip preferably one with a low credit limit is a wise choice. It is much easier to identify and verify one credit card statement than it is 3 or 4. Also most credit card companies extend a zero liability policy to customers in the event their card is lost or stolen.
· Carry Cash Safely and Securely. Keeping your cash in a money belt or travel pouch/fanny pack that goes securely around your waist under your shirt is a good way to protect against pickpockets, especially around well known tourist areas.
· Don’t leave personal information and valuables lying around your hotel room. Lock up any important documents and items of value in the room or hotel safe. Unfortunately, we can’t assume that the nice house keeping lady is not really out to steal your identity.
· Take care of that overstuffed mailbox. Speak with your local post office before traveling and ask for your mail to be placed on “postal hold” this way all mail will not be delivered to your home but held at the post office. Make arrangements so that mail may only be picked up by you, and that your driver’s license or ID card (with photo and current address) must be shown to receive the mail.
Don’t leave a pile of newspapers in your driveway. This is a dead give away to thieves that no one’s home. Call your newspaper provider and request they stop delivery until you return.
Upon returning from any trip it is important that you verify all balances and charges on your debit and credit cards. It’s always smart to periodically check all of your accounts to ensure all things are in order whether or not you’ve been on a trip. As with everything in life, we all must take precautions and be aware of the people around us as well as our surroundings. The more we know the better prepared we will be.