This news item expired on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Summer is here and if you're able to get away on vacation, we hope you have a wonderful (and safe) time.
In the excitement that long weekends and family trips generate, it's easy to forget how important it is to protect your identity when you're away from home. Before you go out of town, please run through this basic checklist of security precautions first:
- Put your mail on hold with the post office until you return and halt any newspaper deliveries.
- Carry only the cash, traveler's checks or debit cards you will need while vacationing and leave your checkbook at home.
- Also, your social security card should never be in your wallet; keep it in a locked and secure place at all times.
- Make photocopies of all of your travel documents and carry them separate from the originals.
- Include a list of phone numbers for your financial institutions and credit card companies.
- Do not post your travel plans online on any social networking forums or sites.
When you are traveling for vacation, you are focused on having fun not on protecting your identity. Unfortunately, a stolen identity will rob you of fun, and the damage will last more than a week or two. Thankfully, you can take a few simple steps to stay safe and keep your personal information on lock down. While traveling, remember to:
- Never leave your valuables or wallet in your car or rental vehicle.
- Don't use your phone's Bluetooth function or geo-location services.
- When using Wi-Fi, make sure it is password protected and the official Wi-Fi option for the hotel or airport.
- Wait until you get home to post your vacation updates to social media channels.
- Don't leave your purse or wallet, any valuables or documents in your hotel room; put them in the safe.