Industry Tips
ID theft - Travelers
ID theft Protect yourself from identify thieves who prey on travelers who let their guard down. -Leave your checkbook and debit cards at home -Credit cards provide you with much more protection. -Clean out your wallet,removing unnecessary credit cards,your Social Security card, and other unneeded documents that could used to steal your identity. When Filling up your gas tank: -Check your surroundings, criminals cruise gas stations looking for unattended purses and wallets. -Keep car doors locked. -Keep your purse off your car seat and out of sight. -Do not leave your wallet or any documents containing personal information in your hotel room unattended. -Use a hotel safe when available. -Use credit cards instead of debit cards. This reduces your vulnerability to having your checking account emptied while you are on vacation. -Photocopy or make a list of the contents of your wallet. -Keep it in a secure and locked location or with a trusted individual at home whom you can contact in case your wallet is lost or stolen. -Guard your credit card receipts and car rental agreements, particularly if they contain your full credit card number. -If you plan on using an ATM card during your vacation, use one that does not have debit card privileges (for example one that requires a PIN and does not contain a Visa or MasterCard logo). You can ask your bank to change an ATM/debit card to one that is "ATM only." -It's best to use ATM machines found at banks or credit unions and that are in well-lit areas. -Ask your Post Office or a trusted neighbor or friend to hold your mail for you. Mail that is left in an unlocked mailbox is a goldmine for identity thieves. -If you are bringing your laptop with you, be very careful when using it to access online banking or other password-protected services from wi-fi networks. Be sure to use wi-fi hotpot that are secure. -If you are using cyber-cafes or other public access Internet facilities rather than bringing your laptop with you, be aware that keyloggers (software that can track your keystrokes) may be tracking you. If you are or think you have been the victim of identity theft, contact the Better Business Bureau at 1-800-273-1002 or 414-847-6000 for further assistance.
