Many people are worried about the physical dangers they may put themselves in while travelling. Most of those fears can be allayed if destinations are researched and adequate planning and preparation are carried out. However and especially in this modern world, there is an increased number of identity thieves. Should they gain your personal information they can create many long-lasting financial issues. Of course, this can happen at any time. However, there is an increased chance while travelling There is ways to prevent identity theft while travelling. These can ensure that such criminals do not get the opportunity to obtain that information. Here are some of the key ones.
Clear Out Your Wallet/Purse/Bag
It may seem obvious but how many of us have things in our wallet, purse or bag that have been there for weeks, months, even years. One of the first things you should do to prevent identity theft while travelling is clear out your wallet, purse or bag that you intend to travel with.
All the obvious things need to come out like bank statements and letters from banks etc. Basically, anything which may have your personal information on. This is because if it fell into the wrong hands could cause you a lot of problems.
This also means getting rid of all old receipts which could contain some of your personal information. Even though whole card numbers or banking information is not normally printed on them, mastermind identity thieves can find ways to use the information against you. Therefore, remove receipts and keep them somewhere safer if you feel that you will need them at a later date.
Do Not Provide Card Details via Telephone
If someone calls you from the front desk of your hotel to confirm your card details for payment, do not give them over the telephone. Instead, go down to reception and confirm in person that the details need to be given.
A very clever scam has been developed by identity thieves. It is super easy for even the most experienced traveller to fall victim of. The identity thief impersonates the person on the front desk/in the accounts department of the hotel you are staying at. They want to double-check your card details. Once you give them the details, they can then use your details to access/buy things using your account.
If this happens there is the possibility that your account could be emptied. If this happens, depending on your bank, it can be a lengthy process to get your money back if at all. Therefore, ensure you are sure the person you give your bank details too is legit to avoid any problems.
Stay Off/Limit Social Media Use
Social media is a wonderful beast, isn’t it? It allows you to reconnect/stay in touch with friends and family. You can update your status to let people know where in the world you are. You can also add your favourite photographs to highlight, share or even show off the wonderful things you are doing and the fabulous places you are visiting. However, using social media can open you up to identity theft in a number of ways.
Firstly, if people know you are away from home and the identity thief knows where you live, there is the possibility that they could intercept your mail. They could then use the information contained within it against you. Cunning identity thieves in the area you are visiting may also be able to locate you while travelling and specifically target you. Any social media post where you ‘check-in’ or tag where you are could facilitate this.
Another and more general thing is to not share any personal information if your social media accounts are not locked down to close friends and family members. Identity thieves will take the snippits of information you share and then piece it together in order to access accounts and do damage. That could not just be financial but also reputational which is often harder to rectify.
Travel With An Extra ‘Fake’ Wallet/Purse
How many of us travel with just one wallet/purse? we image most of us, if not all of us. In our wallet/purse, you will find our driving licences, debit cards, credit cards, cash etc. Basically, the stuff identity thieves love. They can use the information on the cards and licence to create profiles, access accounts, make loan applications etc. If you have ever lost or had a wallet/purse stolen you will know how stressful it can be.
Therefore, imagine having your wallet/purse stolen while travelling. It doesn’t bear thinking about does it? With this in mind, you may want to consider travelling with an extra ‘fake’ wallet/purse. This means that if you have your wallet/purse stolen, or even if you lose it, there is nothing in it which would benefit an identity thief.
The idea is that you would carry this wallet/purse where you would your normal wallet/purse i.e. in your back pocket with your real wallet/purse being tucked away safely at the bottom of your bag or in a money belt. Here are a few suggestions of things to keep in your extra ‘fake’ wallet so the thief doesn’t realise it’s not your real one straight away:
- A small amount of money that you wouldn’t miss if you were to lose it.
- At least one photo ID card that is easy to replace i.e. expired student or gym card.
- Promotional credit cards from banks that you receive in the mail. Yes, they are usually cardboard but at first glance, they look realistic enough.
- A photo of a pet, a partner or kids. It doesn’t even have to be your pet, partner or kids.
- A couple of random business cards, receipts from items that you have paid cash for etc.
We hope these tips help prevent identity theft while travelling and ensure you do not fall foul of identity thieves.
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