Preventing Identity Theft While Traveling

Vacations and other trips can be hectic enough without worrying about identity theft.  Unfortunately, many thieves prey on unsuspecting travelers.  Before and during your trip, you’ll want to take some steps to prevent identity theft.  Taking the time to follow these tips can save you a lot of time, money, and headaches in the long run.

• Put your mail on hold while you’re away.  You can call the post office to have this set up.  You may want to hold it for one day later than you arrive, so you don’t have to worry about it the day you get home. 

• Put a hold on your newspaper delivery while you’re gone.  A stack of newspapers is a big signal you’re not home. 

• Take out any unnecessary items from your wallet or purse.  This includes your checkbook.  You should only take items that are absolutely necessary.  Extra items should be stored in a safe until you get home.

• Call your credit card company to let them know you’re going to be traveling.  This will keep them from freezing your account due to unusual spending.  It will also help you if someone does get your credit card information. 

• Keep all of your important documents with you on the plane.  Don’t put them on luggage you plan to check. 

• At the hotel, take advantage of the main hotel safe if possible.  If it’s not possible, use the safe provided in your room.  Keep all personal information and valuable items in the safe at all times.  If you bring your laptop, it should stay in the safe as well.

• Don’t use your ATM card, bank card, or checks.  Use cash or credit cards everywhere you go.  Fraudulent charges are much easier to take off of credit cards versus bank cards.

• Don’t use ATMs from any location except banks and reputable stores.  There are several fake ATMs that store your card’s information and record you typing in your PIN number. 

• Try to carry a travel pouch under your shirt if possible.  Keep all of your personal items inside the pouch.  If this isn’t an option, make sure you keep a very close eye on your purse and wallet at all times.  Pickpockets are a big threat when you’re on vacation.

• Don’t leave receipts with your credit card information laying in the hotel or on the table at restaurants.  Try to use cash at restaurants overseas whenever you can.  There is a high risk of waiters copying your credit card information and either using it or selling it.

These are just a few tips to keep you safe from identity theft when you’re traveling.  There are many ways that identity thieves take advantage of travelers.  The most important thing you can do to stay safe is to pay attention to who you’re giving your information to how you keep your belongings stored.  Paying a little attention to the little details could save you a ton of money later.