Consumer Education

06-2013

You’ve saved money all year and now you are going to take a much needed vacation. To help make it a worry free time, we want to share some tips from our fellow BBB in St. Louis.

Of course, it goes without saying to be wary in crowded areas such as on buses, airports, subways, etc.

One easy way to protect your identity is by putting your wallet and travel documents in an inside pocket or a money belt or vest where thieves would have difficulty getting to them.

“Pickpockets and other thieves often target tourist destinations, looking for travelers who may be distracted or unfamiliar with their surroundings. Hotel, restaurant or airport wi-fi networks may have poor security, which can make checking bank accounts or other personal data risky. You can’t be too careful,” says Michelle L. Corey, St. Louis BBB president and CEO.

Here are some other ways to protect your identity:

Do not post your travel status in Facebook or other social media. Thieves are on the lookout for such information on social media sites and could target your home while you’re away.
Have your mail and newspaper held until you return.
Avoid carrying unnecessary documents that contain personal information such as library cards, voter registration cards, etc.
Call your bank and credit card company. Let them know where and when you will be gone.
Avoid using public WiFi networks to access your financial records and never leave your computer unattended. In fact, some computer security experts recommend keeping your hands on your keyboard at all times when working on your computer in public.
Avoid ATMs in convenience stores or in crowded places and guard your PIN when entering it.
PASSWORD PROTECT YOUR CELL PHONE. It may be a hassle at first to have to enter it every time you use your phone, but it will be worth it. If your phone is stolen, it could keep thieves from accessing your stored financial and personal information.
Put only your last name and phone number on your luggage tags.
Tear up or shred your boarding passes before throwing them away.
Make a list of your bank, credit card company, cell phone provider phone numbers and keep it separate from your wallet or purse in case your wallet or purse is stolen.

As always, you can check out any business organization on our website www.evansville.bbb.org or by calling 812-473-0202 or 800-359-0979.

For more information you can trust on traveling safely, see

Is Travel Insurance Right For You?

BBB Travel Tips to Insure a Safe and Timely Flight

Scam Alerts for Traveling Abroad

Travel Tips

Travel Scams

It’s Back!

Photo-Sharing Programs May Be Used to Spread Malware

Jackie

Jackie is the Operations and Education Foundation Assistant with the BBB. She assists consumers with business inquiries, and does presentations to senior groups and high school students. She is a regular contributor to the blog.