Traveling Soon? Here's How to Keep Your Identity Safe

By Sam Casteris on April 2, 2019

Identity theft is a terrifying risk for anyone, but the threat of it feels especially potent when heading away from home. Follow these tips to help protect your identity over your next vacation:

via Pixabay

1. Let your bank know where you’re headed in advance

That way, your bank won’t think you’re an identity thief yourself! It’s important to let them know where you’ll be. (You don’t want to end up with your card being canceled on your first day of a trip— no fun!)  However…if your bank knows that you’re going to Mexico, but see that your card is being used in New York, they’ll be able to deal with it sooner.

2. Keep an eye out— and report anything you lose

These things happen. Passports get stolen, wallets get dropped, and important things get lost.  If you lose an important document, contact the correct authorities immediately, so they can take the proper steps.

3. Avoid digital transactions while using public WiFi

Hackers have easier access to your personal information on insecure networks. Try not to use public WiFi for online shopping or bookings where you need to use your credit cards or even your PayPal account.

4. Be card-smart

When withdrawing money, try to use a bank ATM, not a random one in a convenience store or bar. They tend to be less secure than the major banks— and often charge higher fees! If requested to give your credit card number over the phone for reservations, try to do it in person instead.

5. Lock your valuables away

In the odd chance that your hotel room is burgled, you want your most important documents to be secure. Utilize the hotel safe for important documents when you go out. It also helps to have a lock on your suitcase.

6. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket

If you are bringing multiple identifying documents, don’t keep them all in the same bag or wallet. Try to keep a few on your person (a money belt works well here)— it will be more difficult to steal or lose those.

7. Play it cool on social media

We know you want to share your trip, but wait until afterward. Potential thieves could easily use your absence to snoop around your home for identifying details.

8. Leave unnecessary documents— like bills or your SS card— at home

Anything that comes on vacation with you has the potential to get lost or stolen. If you don’t need it for your trip, don’t bring it at all.

9. If you have multiple credit or debit cards, leave some behind

If the worst happens, and your wallet gets stolen, wouldn’t you prefer to have one account to cancel, not five?

10. Stop your mail delivery (or have a friend collect it for you)

When mail piles up on your doorstep, it’s a signal to potential identity thieves that you’re traveling and potentially less vigilant than you normally would be. Furthermore, the mail could contain sensitive information that, when in the wrong hands, could be used to steal your identity. You can even place a hold online.

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