With the holidays only a week away, many of us will be traveling over in the next few days to visit family and friends. Unfortunately, just by traveling, that makes us a prime target for identity thieves. But, there are some simple precautions you can take to keep your identity right where it belongs…out of the hands of identity thieves.
- Alert your financial institution that you’ll be traveling. Some banks and credit card companies will deny the use of your card if they notice suspicious activity. While spending while you are traveling isn’t considered suspicious activity to many, it is to your financial institution. It’s better to take a few quick moments to notify them of your travel plans, instead of being stuck without access to your money while you are away.
- Use credit instead of debit. While you are traveling, you are exposed to a greater risk of an ATM skimmer. So if you must use a card, use a credit card instead of your checking account debit card.
- Properly label your luggage. It’s always best to put your office address on your luggage tags rather than your home address. If your address did get in the hands of the wrong person, your home address would be kept secure. Also, put luggage tags on the outside AND inside of your luggage. If the outside tag happens to come loose and fall off, your information can still be found inside.
- Arrive early. If you are traveling by air, it’s best to arrive two hours before your flights scheduled departure time. Nothing puts a damper on your vacation like missing your flight.
- Get creative with your passwords. Set a password that isn’t common to limit access to personal information stored on your mobile devices in case they get lost or stolen.
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A Time Out for Mommy- Elaina says
These are great tips! Thanks for sharing!
Mellisa says
Great tips! Arriving early is one of my top suggestions, I almost missed a flight last year so now I always get to the airport WAYYY early.
Donna says
Awesome tips! I didn’t even think about putting luggage tags on the inside of my luggage!
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
Great tips! I always make sure I label my luggage.
Jenn @therebelchick says
These are fantastic tips, especially arriving early!
Nichol says
Great tips, I had no idea about putting an office address for security!
Penelope (NYC Blogger) says
Great travel tips, thanks!
Maryann says
You can never be too careful with your information and safety.
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
Good idea to use the office address instead of the home address!
Jenn says
Great point about calling the bank/credit card company. Especially if you are going overseas!
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
Thanks for the wondrous tips!
Sheri says
Great tips! Thanks for sharing.
Kathleen says
Great tips. I never knew that about using credit instead of debit.
Lolo says
They do have some great tips for travel!
Tricia Nightowlmama says
traveling can lead to information security breeches. that’s why I love LIFELOCK!
Stefani says
These are great tips! Thanks for posting.
Christi @ The Thriftynistas says
Thank you for the awesome tips!
Marcie W. says
Great tips and I have to admit, there are many that I wouldn’t consider without having read them.
Maryann says
awesome tips!
HilLesha says
I love LifeLock!
Megan @ That Neat Blog says
Great tips! We may be traveling next holiday and I will definitely use some of these!