Identity theft is a growing problem worldwide, especially for travelers, who are very vulnerable. they carry personal documents, share credit and debit card information with hoteliers and merchants and use unsecured Internet connections. Web sites like Facebook and LinkedIn often keep you logged in to the site, even after you close your browser or turn off your computer. Following are helpful tips to protect your identity.

1. Guard your valuables.  Never leave your items lying around your hotel room.  Lock them up in the hotel safe with a secure, unrecognizable password or carry the items with you while you're touring.

2. Use a money belt. Keep your passport, credit cards and cash safe in a money belt worn under your clothing.

3. Use and RFID blocking wallet.  This prevents an RFID reader from collecting data embedded in chip technology, including card numbers and expiration dates - even through clothing or a purse.

4. Leave unnecessary documents at home. While travelling abroad the only document required is your passport. Leave critical documents at home; social insurance number, health card, drivers license (if not planning on driving while on vacation), check book, bank statements etc. 

5. Change passwords and pins. Identity thief's are patient and may wait a while before using your stolen card information. Change your passwords and pins right before you leave, use a new password while traveling and then change them back to your preferred passwords when you get home.

6. Only use Bank ATM's. Card readers are placed in an ATM to collect your card number and PIN. This happens more often at non-bank ATM's in hotels, convenience stores, etc.

7. Followup when you return home. Check bank and credit card activity and even medical insurance claim activity to see if there is anything you do not recognize. These are often the first places you'll see indications of identity theft.

8. Use a dedicated travel email.  

Use a simple personal e-mail address that doesn't have sensitive information. Using your work email is too risky as this contains far too much information, if compromised it may cause considerable damage to your livelihood.

9. Be careful while using public Wi-Fi

Shared and insecure internet connections are a hotspot for thieves. If you connect to a Wi-Fi network, and send information through websites or mobile apps, it might be accessed by someone else. The risk applies to anything you type into your keyboard while connected, such as e-mail passwords and Web site logins.  Delete all cookies and browsing history after using public computers.
Click Here to for tips on how to use public Wifi safely. 

10. Keep your cell phone secure. Turned on and logged in, they typically have apps on them that give access to personal information. Smart phones and tablets are small compact items, making them easy to steal.

Set a password on the phone so someone who finds or steals it can't use it.

Before traveling, delete sensitive apps such as banking apps, re-install when you return home. 

Log out of all apps before going out and about.
 

An informed traveler is a happy traveler.