Travel can make you especially vulnerable to identity theft

Travel can make you especially vulnerable to identity theft. Regardless of where you’re visiting, you’ll likely be carrying more valuables with you than usual. It’s crucial to prepare ahead of time and do what you can to prevent identity theft while traveling abroad.

Payments

‍Stolen wallets frequently lead to identity theft, so consider using travel pouches rather than carrying your wallet in a pocket or having it easily accessible in your bag. Travel pouches will also prevent you from accidentally leaving your wallet in a vulnerable place. Keeping secure information out of sight will prevent identity thieves from capturing your personal financial details. If you go to a restaurant and pay with a credit card, make sure you sign the receipts and hand them directly back to the waiter or waitress. Also, keep a copy of your receipts. Leave checkbooks at home in a locked safe or drawer.

Technology

‍Always protect your smartphone with complex passwords or passcodes. It’s an easy step that can make or break your online security. If possible, turn Bluetooth off as an added security measure. Install applications that allow you to GPS-track or disable your phone in case it’s lost or stolen. Be aware that many free Wi-Fi networks at cafes, hotels, and public places are not secure. Avoid entering private information such as bank account numbers or logins on public computers. Never auto save information or passwords, and clear your search history after use. If possible, open a private browsing window that won’t save passwords, history, or cookies.

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Preparing to Travel

‍There are some important steps to take before you leave – to start, lock up any valuable information at home. Put your mail on postal hold, and arrange for mail to be picked up only by you at the post office when you return. When it’s time to fly, don’t put any items that contain your card numbers or financial institution account numbers in checked luggage. If you’re making payments on the plane or at the airport, make sure other travelers can’t view your card information. Never carry your Social Security Number with you, whether traveling domestically or abroad. Once you arrive at your destination, keep all valuables locked up in your hotel room safe, including laptops, passports and other documents that contain personal or financial information.

Remember, while these steps are simple on their own, used in combination they can create a valuable safety net when you’re traveling abroad. Put them into practice not just for yourself but also for your family members, and you can spend your time enjoying your trip without having to worry about your privacy.

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Tools to Protect Identity

If your private financial information gets into the wrong hands, the consequences can be devastating. There are many ways you can help protect yourself on a daily basis, from taking precautions online to checking your credit report periodically. Sometimes, however, the precautions aren’t enough and you find yourself a victim of identity theft. If so, it’s important that you act quickly. Contacting the correct agencies and filing the necessary reports will go a long way toward minimizing any damage to your financial well-being.

Report the fraud to law enforcement.

‍Report identity theft to your local police department. If the crime occurred somewhere other than where you live, you may want to report it to law enforcement there as well. The police will create an “identity theft report” and you can request a copy.