Vacation Time is Prime Time for Identity Thieves…
Any time you're on vacation and away from home is prime time for identity thieves. Take a look at this list of preventative measures to see how you can better protect yourself:
Before you go on vacation:
- Shred all documents, including statements, receipts and canceled checks that bear your account numbers and/or your social security number. Shred all pre-approved credit card applications that you do not plan to use before tossing them away.
- Arrange for the Post Office to hold your mail until you can pick it up when you return from vacation. This is preferable to having a friend collect it as it may sit in your mailbox for some time -- ready and waiting for a thief to collect it instead.
- Do not print your social security number (SSN) on your checks.
- Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine and copy both sides of your credit cards, driver's license, etc. Store the photocopies in a safe place -- but where you can get them in a hurry. If your wallet is stolen, you will have a quick and easy reference for account numbers and emergency phone numbers to call and cancel cards.
- Sign up for the VSECU's Access My Accounts Online and Credit Card Online so that you can monitor your accounts via the Internet for any unauthorized purchases.
While you are on vacation:
- Do not carry your social security card, passport, birth certificate or any other documents that may contain personal information, unless absolutely necessary. Many hotels will lock your valuables in a safe place for you.
- Have a backup plan to obtain money if one of your sources of funding is cut off due to theft. Bring along a second credit card or ATM/Check card and store it somewhere away from your wallet. You might also consider a supply of American Express Travelers Cheques (available at the VSECU).
- If your wallet is stolen... File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your wallet was stolen for two reasons: (1) the police can begin an investigation and (2) you can prove to creditors you were diligent in reporting the crime.
- Plus, as soon as possible, either:
use the FTC's ID Theft Affidavit to report the crime to all three credit bureaus.- call the three national credit reporting agencies individually:
Equifax, 800 685-1111
Experian, 888 397-3742
TransUnion, 800 888-4213
to place a fraud alert on your name and social security number
© 2008, Vermont State Employees Credit Union. All Rights Reserved.
