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As people become more aware of identity theft and how it can destroy their credit, many are exercising more caution and make every effort to protect their identity. There are ads on television for companies who offer identity protection plans, and ever bank, credit company, and even the credit referencing companies all offer safety hints to protect your identity. People are making it harder to steal their sensitive financial information, until they go on vacation. It seems all sense of fear leaves the mind when people leave the country. Identity thieves love vacationers, because they relax their cautions and it is easier to distract them and steal from them. There are a lot of precautions you can take while traveling to make your trip more relaxing, and reduce the risk of being the victim of identity theft. Before you leave home, record all of the important information in a notebook and leave it in your home where a family member or friend can access it quickly in the event your wallet or luggage is stolen or lost. The information included in the notebook should contain you're the information on the front and back of each credit card, all the information on medical and insurance cards, information and numbers on your driving licence, all phone numbers on the cards, and all of your passport information. Be sure the information is fully updated before you depart on your vacation. In the event of a theft, the information in the book will get you quick access to replacements when necessary. It's wise not to carry more than one credit card with you. Don't carry more than what is necessary in your wallet. Be sure there are no PINs or passwords tucked anywhere in your wallet. Don't carry any personal information in your wallet that is not necessary to have on your trip. It's important to protect your identity as much as possible. Avoid using free WiFi networks that are commonly available in hotels and restaurants. It is much safer to use a personal WiFi hotspot connection through your mobile phone or a DSL connection. If you have no other option but to use the hotel WiFi, ask if they have any special security in place for the safety of their guests. Avoid logging into accounts that include sensitive information until you have a secure access location. Do not announce your travel plans on social media sites. Make sure to instruct other family members and friends not to mention it on their pages as well. Privacy settings only help to a point, because, other people can cut and paste your information to their friends. It is important not to let too many people know your whereabouts. Most people take hundreds of photos while on vacation, but it is important to avoid the temptation to post them on your social networking sites. The prettier the photo is, the more apt people are to repost them on their own pages, along with all your travel information. Wait until you return home to post your photos and all the wonderful details about your exciting vacation. Posting them while you are away is an announcement to thieves everywhere that your home and its contents are available to steal. If you will be gone for more than a few days, be sure you place a hold on your mail until you get back. Have a family member stop by every day and be sure nothing is in the mailbox or left in front of the door. It also helps if you have the person stopping by your home turns on a different light each day. If anyone is watching your home they will see lights on at night and in different rooms. When you are eating in a restaurant or making purchases on a plane, do not set your credit card down in plain sight while waiting for the person to take it. The person next to you or across the aisle may have very good eyesight and an even better ability to memorize. Remember, thieves can afford to fly, eat in the best restaurants, and stay in the best hotels, and they do it all on someone else's money Taking a few precautions will make your vacation enjoyable and stress free. Don't do anything that will help a thief steal from you on your trip. Sam Jones the author of this article found the protect identity pages at uSwitch.com a comparison website full of helpful advice and information.
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