Identity Theft & Traveling: What You Need To Know

The summer is fast approaching and it may be time to start thinking travel plans. Whether we go near or far, we must be aware of identity theft. In 2007, over eight million people in the United States were victims of identity theft which resulted in almost fifty billion dollars of fraudulent financial charges as quoted by the Javelin Strategy and Research Survey. That number has most likely increased over the last year. Of those victims, a significant portion was business and holiday travelers.

When I travel it's a time to relax, get away from my routine and responsibilities, and enjoy some fun with my family. So, like most people, I let my guard down. Travelers are walking targets to the thief. So perhaps we're not donning the binoculars, loud hats and colorful shirts, but we are travelers nonetheless and to crooks we're quite obvious. These pickpockets lurk in crowded airports, hotel lobbies, bus and train stations, special events -- anywhere a victim is relaxed and seemingly unaware. Our wallet in a back pocket is an invite to these kinds. Besides the obvious stolen wallet, there are other ways our identity can be stolen when traveling. Crooks are becoming smarter -- more technically savvy -- so it's critical we stay one step ahead. We need to be cautious with our laptops and our usage of internet cafes. Rather than finding ourselves in such a situation, prevention is really the key and then leisure or business can follow. So what are some things we can do?

• Before you even travel, hold mail and newspaper delivery. A pile of newspapers is an open invitation and bills and credit card offers contain all of your information.
• Go through you wallet. What do you really need? Take out all personal information items that aren't crucial, such as social security cards, memberships, receipts, check books, bills etc. Lock these up in your home -- identity theft can occur at home also by a house sitter or burglar.
• Carry a fanny pack. Traveling through a crowded airport, trying to get from one point to another can be an arduous task. Carry your credit cards and other personal information with you in your fanny pack. It's much harder to nab someone's fanny pack strapped firmly to their body than a wallet peeking from a pocket. Don't leave these items in checked luggage either. Lost luggage seems more common than in the past, even if it's just for a day.
• Pay your bills before you leave. Bills lying around in hotel rooms are easy targets for identity crooks.
• Even open a separate account before traveling and only put in it as much money as you'll need for your holiday. Bring that one debit card with you -- not one linking to all your savings back home.
• Bring a couple of credit cards with you. These are protected by Federal law and so fraudulent charges are generally covered. Make sure they haven't expired and you can even purchase prepaid cash cards from Visa, American Express or Mastercard. Have a list of the credit cards you brought with you easily available so that you can report the information stolen and set up fraud alerts with the credit bureaus. You can even sign up for identity theft services which can provide continual credit monitoring among other preventative measures and recovery programs.
• Use the ATM machines available in banks. There is a threat of fake ATM machines in popular tourist areas so be safe and go to the bank.
• Leave passports, major cards, and any other personal information that's not necessary on a day to day basis in your hotel room safe.
• Bring a copy of important documents and also store these in a secure and separate place. You'll definitely want a copy of your passport.
• Keep an eye on your laptop at airports, hotel lobbies and restaurants. Thieves can access personal information when laptops are unattended -- they don't even have to steal it and then the traveler is clueless. Back up your laptop before you leave and put this disc in a safe place at home or in a safety deposit box. Write your name, destination address and any other relevant contact information on a piece of paper that’s taped to your laptop in case it's inadvertently left behind. Use caution here though and use your work address and phone number.
• Be on guard when using public computers. Key stroke loggers could be installed but generally business centers located on cruise ships and hotels are safer than other public computers.

Stealing someone's identity is not just about having your credit card stolen while the thief enjoys a shopping spree. No, this criminal can then open new credit cards, new accounts, get new loans and then not pay them, leaving 'guess who's name' on the credit report? The worse case scenario is getting arrested for crimes you've never committed. Rather than becoming paranoid, apply the steps listed and be prepared. Preparation and prevention are the two crucial keys in protecting your identity. If a worse case scenario does occur, identity theft services can help with the recovery process along with preventative steps. Travel with confidence this summer season, knowing you've done all that you can do.