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How to Keep Your Information Safe When Traveling

When you’re packing for a vacation, your list probably goes something like this: pants, t-shirts, toothpaste, and several kinds of shoes. You also probably pack your passport, credit cards, and other important documents. Travelers are especially at risk of identity theft, so use these tips to keep your information safe when traveling.

Unload Documents Before You Travel

If you carry a few important documents in your everyday purse or wallet — social security cards, extra credit cards, medical documents, etc. — take them out before you travel. The less information you have on yourself, the better.

Guard Your Documents

Once you arrive at your destination, make sure to store your personal information in a safe place. Simply leaving it in a drawer or an unlocked suitcase allows it to be easily stolen. Invest in a small travel safe, money belt, or an RFID-blocking wallet so your things are more secure.

Watch Your Internet Connection

If you’re using the public internet, check to see if your connection is shared or unsecured. This allows for outside networks to steal your information, such as email addresses or passwords, while you’re online. To keep your information safe when traveling, it’s best to stay offline.

Only Use Bank ATMs

It’s becoming more and more common for people to install card readers in ATMs as a way to steal travelers’ identities. ATMs in hotels, bars, and shops are most susceptible to this, so only take out money from bank ATMs since they are less likely to be fitted with readers.

Protect Your Children’s Information

Many parents carry their children’s birth certificates or social security cards as identification pieces when traveling. Those are what identity thieves target since no one checks a child’s credit report for fraudulent items. The best way to prevent this — skip the birth certificates, and get your children passports.

While it’s important to keep your information safe while traveling, it’s also important to keep it safe at home. Complete Shredding Solutions offers secure drop-off shredding services, so you can rest easy knowing you’re protecting your information from being stolen. For more information or to get a free quote, call us at 516-442-1624.

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