Spring is here and for many that means gearing up for a bit of rest and relaxation with a spring break vacation or, at the very least, planning a fun-filled trip in the summer months to come. However, the planning shouldn’t stop at selecting your dream destination and accommodations. Unfortunately, identity thieves are everywhere, and are especially known to target unsuspecting tourists who are loose with their personal information.
Taking the time to protect your identity is a ‘must do’ to ensure your dream get-away doesn’t turn into a nightmare. Here are some tips that can help:
- Think ahead about the money you’ll need for the trip and carry cash and/or travelers’ checks. This will prevent you from having to access unfamiliar ATM machines. If you must use the ATM, use one at a real bank and cover the keypad when inputting your pass code. Make sure no one is nearby with a cell phone camera and check that the ATM doesn’t have any strange attachments above or below the card slot.
- Lighten your load and carry only what you really need. That means only carrying the credit cards, cash and travelers’ checks you will need for the day. Also think twice about carrying around your passport. Anything that isn't necessary for the day can be left in the hotel safe.
- Protect your mobile devices. With banking online increasingly becoming the norm for many, it’s important to password protect this and other personal information we carry in our smartphones, tablets and laptops, in the event they are stolen or lost.
Fun and adventure should be the focus during your special time away from home, but a bit of forethought implementing these steps can help you steer clear of a world of problems, not only during your vacation, but well beyond it.
