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Identity theft is a fast-growing crime in today's society. There are thousands of victims each year in North America, many of whom are targeted while traveling. Here are some tips for keeping your information safe when you're away from home.
The thing to remember here is that you need to take steps "before" you go on vacation as well as while you're away. This is vital in ensuring that thieves don't get a hold of your private information.
Begin with making plans ahead of time for your mail to be picked up while you're gone. If bank and credit card statements are sitting on your doorstep - they're an invitation for thieves to take advantage. Arrange for a trusted neighbor or friend to pick-up your mail for you every day you're away.
I encourage people not to travel with every piece of important I.D. they own - i.e. your social insurance card, or all 4 of your credit cards. If your wallet is lost or stolen while you're away - these documents could compromise your identity. That being said, leave them in a "secure" place at home, should the unfortunate happen and you're broken into, thieves won't be able to get their hands on them.
Same goes for leaving things in your hotel room. Never leave your wallet or passport or any document with personal information on it lying around your room. Use a room or hotel safe to ensure those pieces of ID are safe. Do the same for your laptop. There are special stainless steal locking devices you can get for your laptop so you can put it in side and lock the container to something that's fixed to your room. Your local computer store should be able to help you out with one of those.
Upgrade your virus and anti-spyware protection if you bring your laptop while on vacation. When using internet cafes, make sure you close all windows and log off after use. If you must use internet banking, make sure that you log out of the banking website after use. You can tell that you are officially logged out if you close the internet, and go back into the site. If you are not redirected into your personal account, you're okay.
Your safest method of payment while on vacation is cash. But if that's not feasible a credit card is your next best option. Should someone get a hold of your information, it's much easier to recoup your losses from a credit card company than it is if a thief gets a hold of money from your chequing account.
I also like to call ahead and let my credit card company know when I'm going to be away and where I'm going. That way if you're card number starts showing up in Italy when you're supposed to be in France... they'll know something's up and give you a call. Just a few easy steps to remember to that you don't come home to an unexpected surprise next time you do your banking.
Protect Yourself
- Have your mail and newspapers put on hold or someone come to pick them up while away
- If taking your computer, update your anti-spyware and anti-virus programs before you leave -
- Always remain aware of your surroundings - watch for pick-pockets
- Put all personal information and items of value in the hotel safe or don't take them at all
- Call your bank and credit card companies to let them know you'll be away - they usually watch for suspicious transactions, but it is a good idea to tip them off ahead of time
