In summertime the sun beckons, calling us out of our offices and into the fresh air. This the time people are preparing for relaxing vacations, yet if an identity thief gets a hold of your information while your away you can be certain you’ll take more than memories home. At home or at play, you’re at risk for the headaches and frustration involved in clearing your name and credit reports.
Tourists are especially vulnerable to falling victim to ID theft. It only takes one moment of distraction – leaving something important behind at a restaurant or hotel – to entice a thief into embarking on his own vacation…on your dime. However, there are ways to protect yourself and your family as you travel. Before you leave for your trip, take care to ensure your fiscal safety.
Take only the essentials! Leave the checkbook and wallet full of credit cards locked in your home safe. Your driver’s license, a gas card, and one or two credit/debit cards is all you should have on you. Should you happen to lose any of these while on the road, contact the necessary banking authorities and companies immediately.
Save everything! Hang on to every receipt and keep them together. When your credit statements from your trip arrive, compare all the purchases to make sure there are no surprises. Shred everything once you are confident you are okay.
Watch when you surf! If you use free wireless anywhere – a café, a hotel, or other hotspot – limit where you browse. Don’t make any online purchases or check financial accounts online. The less private information you relay, the better.
Stay vigilant on vacation, especially when you shop, and keep your identity protected so you can enjoy your vacation.
Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Chesapeake shredding and SEO writing services.
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