The explosive growth of smart phones and personal digital assistants, along with social media, has accompanied one of America’s fastest-growing crimes: identity theft. For those traveling for both business and pleasure, this is a real concern.
There are some common sense things you can do to prevent becoming a victim of identity theft while traveling.
• Never carry your Social Security card in your wallet or purse. It should be kept locked away at home.
• Keep your personal information private on social media pages. You should never post an financial or identity related numbers. This goes for text messages as well.
• Use credit cards, not debit cards, when you travel. Charges to credit cards can be reversed; debit cards tap bank accounts directly.
• Don’t put your credit card information or other financial information on public computers.
• Never leave an ATM or credit card swipe machine until a transaction is complete and the machine is cleared.
• Never give your credit card information to a hotel employee on the phone. Go to the front desk and verify the request first.
• Be aware of your surroundings when using an ATM machine. Be on the lookout for people close by, particularly if they seem to have a keen interest in you, or have a digital camera or mobile device.
