Protecting yourself from identity theft while on vacation
Posted May 21, 2013 9:25 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – A new poll has found identity theft is among the top concerns for travellers this summer. So, how do you protect yourself?
Claire Newell with Travel Best Bets says you have to start before you leave. “Make sure that your mail will be picked up while you’re gone.”
She points out says you don’t need to bring every piece of identification, in case they are stolen.
“You don’t need your social insurance card at all for travelling and you don’t need all four of your credit cards, for example.”
“Have them in a couple of different places,” she suggests. “Leave one with someone trusted at home [and] one photocopy with you at the hotel… in the safe, if they have one.”
She notes cash is the best option while you’re on vacation.
If you’re using a computer, stick with hotel business centres, not Internet cafes. Newell adds it’s a good idea to keep your computer and smartphone password-protected.
