Tips to Help Prevent Identity Theft
9 Things to do when you go
Follow these tips and stay on guard while relaxing on vacation:
Safe Travel Tips
1. Don't take your checkbook. Use cash, traveler's checks or credit cards instead.
2. Use credit cards for purchases. Only use ATM cards at secure locations. Fake ATM machines are known to have been placed in high traffic tourist areas. Be especially wary if the ATM has an unbranded shell or too much dark glass in the front.
3. Leave bills at home. It might be nice to take advantage of quiet evenings in hotels to catch up with paying bills. Unfortunately, many people have access to your room – and your personal information – while you're away.
4. Take advantage of hotel safes. Lock up all valuables in room safes or hotel safes while you're out. That includes laptops, PDAs and documents that contain personal identifying information.
5. Watch your pockets. Pickpockets focus on high traffic areas such as malls, amusement parks and sporting events. Worse yet, wallets stolen in tourist spots frequently lead to identity theft. These professionals aren't just interested in cash. They want your SSN, checks and driver's license.
6. Keep your wallet thin. Don't take anything in your wallet that is not absolutely necessary including cards with Social Security Numbers on them. If necessary, make a photocopy of a health insurance card and cut off the last 4 numbers of the Social Security Number.
7. Back-up your travel docs. Carry photocopies of all travel documents including plane tickets, hotel reservations and passports. Keep these in a separate location from the originals.
8. Put your mail on hold. That way you won't have a pile of envelopes sticking out of your mailbox to alert thieves. The same goes for newspapers. Nothing says "we're out of town" like a pile of newspapers.
9. Don't post travel plans. Social networking sites are a great way to keep in touch. But why alert unscrupulous acquaintances of friends that you're leaving home for an extended time? You're just inviting trouble.
In short, whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, be on alert for places an identity thief may strike. Unfortunately, you can't trust housekeeping staff, bellmen, security guards, or front desk clerks with your personal information. It's up to you to keep your money safe and help protect your identity.
