There are plenty of things to worry about while on the road: remembering your passport, confirming your reservations, packing enough socks for a week. Add “protecting your identity” to that list. Each year, victims of identity theft lose some $20 billion in cash and valuables, so arm yourself well in advance. Here are 4 ways to protect your identity while traveling.

 Your Educated Gypsy Travel Planner,

Susan

Beware of Public Computers

The days of the Internet cafe are waning, as Wi-Fi-enabled tablets and ultra-light laptops have become the norm for many tourists. Public computers are hotbeds for identity theft; therefore, it is best to be careful with your personal information when using them. Never auto save information on forms, especially if you’re typing in your passport or credit card number. Select “no” if you are asked to save any passwords and delete your search history afterward. If possible, use the Google Chrome browser and open your windows in “incognito mode” (Ctrl + Shift + N, or click on the menu bar in the upper right-hand corner). Your search history, passwords, and cookies will automatically not be saved. Finally, avoid checking bank-account balances on public computers, if you can. Use your bank’s smartphone app (most major banks have one), or simply limit your balance check-ins to secure ATMs.

Don’t Give Out Your Phone Number

You will likely need to provide a home or mobile phone number for your airline and hotel reservations, but beyond that, avoid giving out your phone number while on the road. Having your digits gives an identity thief instant access to you via spammy calls. Often they’ll be able to look up your home address and personal information as well. A popular scam involves the caller claiming to be a representative from your bank and requesting your credit card number. Do not answer a phone call from someone asking to verify your credit card or bank-account number. Additionally, calls made to guests in a hotel, requesting a new credit card to secure a reservation is considered a scam as well. Never give that information out over the phone; instead, hang up and visit the front desk in person.

 

Clean Out Your Wallet, Pockets, and Purse

You may be the master of web security, but identity theft can still happen the old-fashioned way: by sticky fingers. Imagine the following scenario: You leave your wallet on your beach towel to go for a quick swim, smug with the knowledge that there’s no cash for would-be thieves to take. Yet you’ve left a doctor’s prescription, your business card, and your expired driver’s license behind. Any of these documents could do surprising damage to your credit (and your livelihood) if exploited. The thief or impersonator would know which medications you’re on (and perhaps your health insurance information), your work address, your phone number, and your job title. It’s a good idea to always clean out your wallet or purse before travel. Discard old memos, appointment reminders, expired IDs, and even to-do lists. Shred any confidential documents such as bank statements or pieces of mail that contain your address. Not only will you travel lighter, but you’ll minimize the risk of someone scavenging for sensitive information.

 

Use Smart Identification

While abroad, don’t use your passport as your primary identification. If it is stolen, you could find yourself in a world of trouble. Not only will you be ID-less and unable to board a flight, you’ll also be at risk of identity theft. Stolen passports are often sold on the black market to criminals who use them to open new bank accounts, get jobs, or participate in human trafficking. Although the local embassy can help you secure a new passport fairly quickly, you’ll want to avoid putting yourself at risk in the first place. Lock up your passport and use a driver’s license or an international ID for nightclubs, bars, and other places of admission.

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by Dara Continenza at Smarttravel.com