Identity theft is a large concern for all of us, particularly for those who travel frequently for business or leisure purposes. Here are three steps in avoiding identity theft as a traveler.
Step 1
Keep your wallet or purse close at hand.
One of the main causes in identity theft is people taking their eyes off of their possessions for even a brief second. Be careful not to do this! If you are not carrying your wallet or purse on you, and have it lying somewhere, do not take your eyes off of it! It is advisable to never take your hand off of your wallet or purse. If you are carrying a wallet, keep it in your pocket or on your person at all times. If you are carrying a purse, make sure to not take your hand off of it.
Step 2
Never give your full name to anyone for anything other than business purposes (booking a hotel, renting a car, booking a plane, etc.).
This is really important. It is so easy to get people's information just by providing their full name. You can find their address, phone number, past addresses, place of birth, and so on just by knowing the first and last name of the person in question. Be careful not to trust someone with your identity, even if they do seem harmless. A first name will be fine when introducing yourself, but do not tell your entire life story in one sitting.
Step 3
Secure your ID, passport, wallet, and any other forms of identification.
Tourists and travelers are a major target for identity theft. Make sure that you are not added to the numbers. It is advisable to only carry identification that you will need during your trip. If you do not need it, do not carry it. Make sure that the articles that you are carrying are secure. If you have clothing with secure pockets (such as buttons or zippers on the pockets) make sure to wear them. Make sure that the zipper or clasp on your purse is closed at all times. Do not leave yourself vulnerable.Other people are reading
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