Last Updated on September 5, 2020 by Ellen Christian
Identity theft protection while traveling isn’t something people usually think about as they get their suitcases packed. I’m more concerned about whether my son has packed clean socks and underwear and whether I should bother packing my swimsuit or not. Unfortunately, identity theft protection while traveling IS something we need to think about.
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Identity Theft Protection While Traveling
While we generally travel locally most of the time, we are still exposed to the risks of identity theft. Thieves know that when we travel we may not be paying as much attention to what we’re doing. We have to figure out where the kids are. We’re distracted by new places and things to see. We have a mental checklist running through our head reminding us to get gas, put sunscreen on the kids, locate a healthy place for lunch, etc.
Identity theft thieves also know that we are spending more money. We pay to get into attractions, buy souvenirs, spend money at restaurants. Each of these purchases opens us up to identity theft. There is also the added worry of having your wallet or pocketbook stolen. Some of these thieves are so good at what they do that you don’t know what has happened until it is too late. That’s a lot to worry about when you’re supposed to be having fun on your vacation. Fraud protection needs to be one of them.
Keep your identity safe while you’re on vacation
- Purchase a prepaid credit card and load the money you’ll be spending on it. When you make purchases, use that card instead of your debit or credit card. If it does get stolen, all you have lost is the money and there is no risk to your identity.
- Lock your suitcases at all times. Yes, security needs to check it at the airport but when you arrive at the hotel, keep it locked when you are not in the room.
- Leave things at home that you will not use. You probably have no need for every single credit card, your social security card or your checkbook while traveling.
- Be careful when you use free WIFI. It may not be as secure as you hope. Try not to type in any sensitive information while on an unsecured connection.
- Delete your cookies and browsing information from public computer systems if you use them.
- Check your banking or credit card statements while traveling to be certain they haven’t been compromised.
- Keep track of your cell phone and put a password on it. Many people have apps for their bank, credit card, shopping, etc. on their phones and that can contain a lot of personal information.
- Sign up for an identity theft protection service like LifeLock. They’ll notify you the second they detect an exposure or threat to your identity. It’s a great peace of mind.
Identity theft protection with LifeLock
You can use this LifeLock promotion code to save 10% off LifeLock identity protection service: LifeLocksafety. Visit the LifeLock Site for more information. One of my readers will win the new book, “Stolen Identity: What Anyone with a Name, Birthdate and Social Security Number Needs to Know Now.”
Identity theft is one of the most widespread and fast-evolving crimes, but many people don’t realize that it goes far beyond having a credit card number stolen. It can jeopardize your healthcare, block you from receiving the tax refund you’re due, interfere with a job or loan, and even run up debt for your children or elderly parents. Learn more about the alarming ways identity in which thieves operate today and what you can do to reduce your chances of having your identity stolen.
Ellen is a busy mom of a 24-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter. She owns six blogs and is addicted to social media. She believes that it doesn’t have to be difficult to lead a healthy life. She shares simple healthy living tips to show busy women how to lead fulfilling lives. If you’d like to work together, email info@confessionsofanover-workedmom.com to chat.
These tips are very helpful. Wifi is something often taken for granted, but the security is not guaranteed. Thanks for the reminder to be mindful!
Very true, Joseph. Glad to share! Thanks for stopping by.
I am so sorry I missed entering your great giveaway yet your tips are still so useful. The best one and one I don’t always remember is the one about leaving things at home that you don’t really need to take. I did that on my last trip and it was such relief.
Those are some really great tips – thanks for sharing!
Glad to share, Gwendolyn!
This is definitely a big issue in our information age. It’s scary.
We try to use cash for everything. Identity theft scares me!
I learned that identity theft is the fastest growing crime
I don’t think people take this as serious as they should.Thank you for the info!
I’ve had my card compromised many times now and I’m very careful too…the book shows you can never be too careful!
I learned the book even has tales of infamous identity theft! I’ve had my accounts broken into a few times- you can never be armed with enough info!
I learned that identity theft can jeopardize your healthcare and tax return, makes sense I suppose but very scary!
Never post on FaceBook that you are going on a trip
Indentity theft is VERY real. I’ve already seen it more than once interfere with people getting their tax refunds – it can take YEARS. But I didn’t realize it can interfere with a job, but I guess that is something that is checked by employers now too
I didn’t know that getting a card stolen could jeopardize your healthcare – that’s weird.
I really worry about this kind of thing happening when we travel. It’s so scary. But it really is so important to be diligent about protecting your identity when traveling.
I’ve had issue while traveling and using a hotel wifi. Someone hacked my email and tried to get into my other accounts. It’s really important to be careful about protecting your identity while traveling in so many ways.
These are definitely great tips! Thanks for sharing.
Glad to share, Brett!
I learned how little people need to know to steal your identity – scary stuff!
I agree. It really is!
These are great tips. I worry about our identity with online shopping and traveling. Life Lock seems great!
Thanks, Aimee! I really love the service so far.
You’re right, when we are traveling and having fun things like identity theft is the last on our mind. These are great tips!
Thanks, Amanda!
Great tips. identity theft is such a scary thing.
It really is, Marina!
I learned that you are never safe, no matter where you are! This seems like such a helpful book, I will have to look into this more.
Thanks, Susan!
Identity Theft is such a serious thing to worry about in this day and age. You can never be too safe!
That’s true, Dawn. I would rather be too safe than have an issue.
I love having LifeLock and getting that monthly email that says “nothing has changed!” 🙂 Also great tip on preloading a card with your spending money!
Me too, Julie! It’s one less thing that I need to worry about.
These are some great tips, some I hadn’t thought of. I have been a member of Lifelock for a couple years now and love the services they provide.
Me too, Stefani!
That’s nice not having to worry about your identity when traveling. I totally need to look into this!
It’s one less thing to worry about!
Great tips to keep your identity safe. Lifelock sounds like a great way to give you extra peace of mind when traveling! 🙂
It definitely is, Nancy!
I’ve only encountered identity theft once, with paypal. Thankfully it was resolved quickly but still very scary.
I had that happen once too, Lisa! It was a huge pain!
Great tips! I honestly have never thought about identity theft while travelling. Thanks for sharing this important information.
Glad to share, Ann.
My husband got his wallet stolen at the pool during our last vacation. We’ve since added monitoring. It’s nice that Lifelock exists for instances just like this!
That’s so true, Kristin. It’s awful that we have to worry about this.
Identity Theft is that word that makes the skin on the back of your neck stand up. I worry about it and worry about my daughters who are out on their own. I got all 3 of them Lifelock but still need it on myself. What a world when your not safe, I hate it but it is such a reality. Your tips are wonderful. Thanks for making me realize I need it for myself too 🙂
So glad you liked my tips,Laura! It’s a scary world today.
Those are fantastic tips! We have known people to have their identity stolen when they were traveling and it was a nightmare for them!
Thanks, Amber. I can imagine!
Sometimes it is easy to forget that wireless connections outside of the home are not always secure. I have to keep that I’m mind with my new cell phone plan.
That’s really true, Amy, especially with our cell phones.
This is such great protection- I know we need it. My hubby’s CC number was stolen on a business trip (we’re still not sure how, but it was in china) and it’s been a mess!
That must have been really scary, Chelley!
Public wifi is the one that worries me the most, because it is so easy for passwords and information to be stolen.
That’s exactly it, Anne. It’s not safe at all.
Such great tips, and ones I never think of doing. Like the prepaid card and the wifi, we really are opening up ourselves to theft when we travel!
That’s really true, Tammi.I am trying to be more aware.
Identity theft is something I do worry about. My mom had her identity stolen a few years ago.
That is scary, Stefany!
When we went to Mexico, we purchased a pre-paid card and also carried cash. It was a lot safer than trying to use our credit card! Lifelock sounds like a great way to keep your identity safe.
I’m sure it was, Pam!
Identity theft scares me to death. One person can totally destroy your life!
They really can, Courtney!
I’m always super careful about where I log into online accounts anywhere, but I’m especially vigilant when I travel. Wifi hotspots and public computers are the absolute worst for sensitive information. DON’T USE THEM!
So true, Dawn. They are just not safe.
These are great tips! Identity theft has gotten totally crazy in the past few years. Nobody is safe anywhere!
Thanks, Jennifer. I agree!
Identity theft is so scary! I am always so nervous when I travel. I’m glad that this service is available to help.
Me too, Daisy. It is scary to think about.
We travel a lot, but my wallet is attached to me, so I don’t worry all that much.
That’s a great idea, Robin.