Protect Your Identity While Traveling for the Holidays
Don’t let identity theft worries bog you down. Travel safely and enjoy the holiday season with these few tips.
With the holiday season beginning, travel plans are underway for many who are off to visit friends and family to celebrate the festivities. Of course, with travel comes the worry of identity theft, but it’s possible to travel safely and enjoy the holiday season with these travel identity protection and theft prevention tips.
Before you travel…
Make your home look like it’s still lived in. Get a trustworthy housesitter, and lockaway valuables. Consider freezing your credit, as this blocks access to your credit report and score, preventing identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name.
When you’re packing…
Withdraw as much cash as you feel safe carrying. Put valuables or personal documents in carry-on luggage. Make two copies of your passport, driver’s license, and credit card. Take one set with you and leave one with a friend or relative who you can call in an emergency. Create a list of account numbers, credit limits, and customer service phone numbers for your credit cards. Bring it with you so you’ll know who to contact if your wallet or purse is stolen. Conversely, carrying unnecessary documents, such as your social security card could put you at serious risk if lost or stolen. Leave your checkbook, library card, and other cards that display your name and address, at home.
While on the road…
Use credit cards instead of debit cards. Never access personal information, especially bank accounts, from public computers. Stick to ATMs located in actual banks instead of gas stations or convenience stores.
When you get home…
Check your credit card and bank statements to review your purchases. Travel documents shouldn’t be thrown in the trash. These contain sensitive information that, when in the wrong hands, can wreak havoc on your identity and credit report. Keep these documents for your next shredding visit and let Legal Shred destroy them safely and securely.
Take travel identity protection seriously. Continue to keep tabs on your credit file in the months after you travel so you can catch any signs of identity theft that may appear.
Happy safe traveling from all of us at Legal Shred!
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