Don't Let Identity Theft Ruin Your Vacation

Ah, summertime. Warm days, fun in the sun, and vacations! While you’re away from home enjoying some well-earned R and R, remember to stay alert. Scammers are always on the prowl . . . so don’t let your guard down while away from home. ​

 
​Here are some tips to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft while on vacation.  

• Don't bring your Social Security card with you on your trip. Some people keep them in their purse or wallet. You won't need your Social Security card on your trip.  Leave it at home, in a secure spot. 

 

• Limit the number of credit and debit cards you bring along. You won’t likely need multiple credit cards while traveling. Bring only those you reasonably anticipate using and notify card issuers that you'll be vacationing away from home. Many of them have easy-to-use web tools to let them know when and where you’ll be traveling.

 

• Before you go, make copies of the front and back of credit and debit cards you plan to bring along. Keep the copies in a secure place in your home. If you bring the paper copies along on your trip, make sure to never keep the copies with the cards — for example don’t keep both the paper copies in your purse with your credit cards.

 

• Use the hotel safe. This should be obvious, but still people leave valuable items out in the open in their rooms while out having fun rather than locking them up in the room safe. Lock up that laptop and I-pad. You don’t want the information they contain to fall into the hands of an identity thief.

 

• Don’t disclose too much personal information on your luggage tag. There's no reason for you to put your home address on that tag. Doing so serves as an obvious tipoff letting identity and other thieves know that you're away from home for awhile.  Use only your name, telephone number and perhaps an e-mail address. If you feel you need to include a physical address, consider using a work address.

 

• Carry your purses and wallets securely. Purse snatchers are probably much more interested in your plastic than in any cash you may be carrying. Look into purchasing a made-for-the-purpose travel wallet or other hidden compartment devices and consider using a cross-body bag to carry valuables. 

 

• Don’t bring big bills if you anticipate not needing to spend much in cash. Keep lower denominations in your wallet. Lock up what you don’t need that day in the room safe.

 
Vacations are supposed to be fun, and you want them to be as worry-free as possible. Taking these steps before you go will help make sure your personal information is safe and secure while you’re away.