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Summer vacation is a favorite tradition, a chance to escape the day-to-day stress of work, household chores and hectic schedules. But identity thieves don’t take a vacation – they know that summer, when people travel, is a great time to strike.
You probably take certain precautions already to protect your identity, such as shredding receipts and unsolicited credit card offers; giving out personal information such as your Social Security number only when absolutely necessary; and checking your credit report on a regular basis for unusual activity or fraudulent accounts.
When you’re leaving on vacation, there are a few extra steps you should take to ensure that your personal information is safe while you’re having fun in the sun. Here are some measures you can take to make sure the memories of your summer vacation don’t include identity theft:
* If you’re asking a friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your house and your mail, make sure it’s someone you can trust. Identity theft is often perpetrated by people who know their victims. According to a study released by the Council of Better Business Bureaus and Javelin Strategy & Research, when identity theft victims can identify the perpetrator, nearly half (47 percent) of these crimes are committed by someone they know.
* Protect sensitive information that you leave at home while you’re gone. This can include your passport; credit card and bank account numbers; Social Security cards; extra credit cards; and old receipts. You might consider using a locked file cabinet, fire box or safety deposit box to keep these documents safe.
* Protect incoming mail. Ask the U.S. post office to hold your mail for the duration of your trip. A mailbox stuffed with bills, bank statements and pre-approved credit card offers can signal that you’re away and gives thieves an opportunity to prey on your personal information. Remember to suspend newspaper subscriptions until you return.
* Monitor your credit regularly, and especially after a trip. It’s quick and easy with a product like Equifax Credit Watch Gold with 3-in-1 Monitoring which notifies you of key changes to your credit file from all three nationwide credit reporting companies. This product offers wireless alerts via cell phone so you can be notified of unusual activity even while you’re on vacation. With Equifax’s round-the-clock dedicated customer care, you’re empowered to respond faster and lower potential losses from identity theft. Credit monitoring products such as Equifax Credit Watch can serve as an early warning system to alert you to potentially fraudulent activities.
* Guard your personal information while you travel, especially if you are traveling with a group. Secure purses and wallets in a locked suitcase if you are not taking them with you for the day’s outing. Also, be careful with rental agreements which are often printed with at least your name and address. Instead of keeping them in the glove compartment of a car, put them in a secure place, such as a hotel room safe.
* Play it safe in Internet cafes. Don’t use them for bill paying or other tasks that could reveal personal information.
For more information on protecting your identity, visit www.equifax.com. - ARA |
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