Friday Food for Thought: Don’t Let Fraud Ruin Your Summer Fun

It’s summer time and the living is easy – especially if you’re on vacation. The last thing you need is to worry about fraud, but it happens. A purse is snatched, a credit card is compromised, a passport is lost.

We know readers of this blog are sophisticated when it comes to security, but we thought it wouldn’t hurt to share some of these tips from Intersections and ITAC about making your vacation a safe one:

• Protect your home from burglars and identity thieves before you leave. Have your mail collected or held at the Post Office, ideally have someone visit and turn lights on and off, and do not leave financial documents lying in plain view.
• If you’re staying at a hotel or motel and receive a call from the reception desk asking that you confirm a credit card number, tell them you’ll provide the information at the front desk instead. The call could easily be a random one from outside the hotel.
• Bring as few credit cards as possible and ideally carry just one with you and keep a backup card in the hotel safe. Bring a copy of the emergency contact numbers for your credit cards and bank accounts in case they’re lost or stolen.
• It is recommended that travelers do not use their debit cards while on vacation to further protect their checking accounts.
• When withdrawing money from an ATM, be cautious, and be protective of your PIN.
• Beware of pickpockets–remove all documentation and cards from your wallet or purse that you don’t need during your travels.
• Use cash or travelers checks wherever possible to minimize the risk of credit card fraud or overcharging (this can also help avoid costly exchange fees if you’re traveling abroad).
• Make a photocopy of the cards and documents in your wallet or purse, including credit and ATM cards, store cards, drivers’ licenses, etc. Leave the copy with someone you trust so if your wallet or purse is stolen, you’ll know what to cancel. Or enroll in a card registry program that has your card information on file.
• If you’re leaving for an extended period consider using a credit and public monitoring service that alerts you to potentially suspicious activity.