Top Credit Fraud and Identity Theft Protection Travel Tips

Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, your risk of exposure to credit fraud may increase. Fortunately, taking a few simple steps before you travel can help reduce your risk of credit fraud and identity theft.

Nothing can spoil a vacation faster than the theft of your personal information. Sinead Curran, a 22-year-old student, learned this lesson first-hand. While vacationing in Belize, she left her passport and driver’s license in a drawer in her hotel room while she went on a daylong hike. When she returned, she found that the lock on her room was broken and her valuables were stolen. She later learned that someone had tried to open several new accounts in her name. Fortunately, she requested a credit freeze before any real damage was done.

“The hotel had a safe but it was broken,” says Currafn. “I didn’t think twice about leaving my stuff behind. When you’re on vacation, it’s easy to forget that not everyone is out to have a good time-some people are very untrustworthy. Next time, I’ll be sure to demand a room that has a working safe.”

Curran’s story shows that identity theft does not take vacations. In fact, whenever you leave home, you face an increased risk of identity theft-the fastest-growing consumer crime in America. When we travel, it is easy to get distracted, let mail pile up, use our credit and debit cards carelessly, and expose ourselves to pickpockets.

There is good news-traveling does not have to be a worrisome event. Whether you are planning a trip to Las Vegas or Rome, following these credit fraud and identity theft protection steps will help keep your identity safe while you are away:

  • Travel light. Leave unnecessary credit cards, your Social Security card, and bills at home. These documents could compromise your identity if lost or stolen while traveling.  Make sure that you leave them in a secure place at home.
  • Use a hotel safe. Never leave your wallet, your passport, or any other documents containing personal information in your hotel room. Many hotel employees have access to your room and some may not be trustworthy. There is also the risk of burglary while you are out.
  • Use credit cards instead of debit cards. Many people believe that debit cards are safe because you need a PIN to use them. However, PINs are only necessary at ATM machines. Some merchants process debit cards as credit cards. In addition, ATM scams are very common, especially in popular tourist areas
  • Have the post office hold your mail or be sure a trusted person is bringing in your mail daily. Identity thieves frequently raid mailboxes in search of personal and financial information. A credit card offer or bank statement can be a gold mine for them.
  • Password-protect your handheld devices and laptops. Without strong passwords, identity thieves can easily access account information that might be stored on your hard drive.
  • Avoid using checks. Checking account fraud is one of the most difficult types of identity theft to recover from. When travelling, use cash, traveler’s checks or credit cards for purchases.
  • Beware of pickpockets. While traveling, you will frequently find yourself in a crowd, often shoulder-to-shoulder with others. This is the perfect setup for a pickpocket. Keep your credit cards and identification is a secure place. If you carry a wallet, avoid keeping any personal information or your Social Security card in the wallet.

Remember-protecting your identity while traveling means using precautionary measures to protect your interests both abroad and at home. Always take a proactive approach to fighting identity theft and credit fraud.

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