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Health & Fitness

BBB's Vacation Security Tips Can Prevent ID Theft

Summer vacation season is here, and many people will soon take off for destinations near and far. Before you pack your bags, the Better Business Bureau advises you to take precautions to prevent identity theft when you're traveling.

Pickpockets and other thieves target tourist destinations, looking for travelers who may be distracted or unfamiliar with their surroundings. Crowded buses or subways can provide cover for thieves.

Other risks include hotel, restaurant or airport wi-fi networks, which may not be secure. That can make checking bank accounts or other personal data risky. And then there's the security of your home while you're gone.

The has nine security tips for travelers:

  1. Avoid announcing your travel plans on social media. Thieves could target your home for a burglary while you’re away.
  2. Stop your mail and newspapers while you’re gone. An overflowing mailbox can be a tempting target for someone who wants to steal your personal information. Piled up papers could tip off thieves that your home is unoccupied.
  3. Remove unnecessary documents like library cards or other items that contain personal information from your wallet. Bring only what you expect to use.
  4. Set up a travel alert for your credit card account. You may also consider putting a credit freeze on your accounts to prevent someone from opening accounts while you’re out of pocket.
  5. Leave your computer at home. If you must bring it with you, update anti-virus or anti-spyware programs before you leave home, and avoid using public wi-fi networks to access financial accounts. Never leave your computer unattended in a public place.
  6. Use only bank ATMs. Avoid those placed in convenience stores or in crowded areas, which may have poor security or allow thieves to look over your shoulder. Protect pin pads when using debit cards.
  7. Create a password for your cell phone. Consider downloading a GPS locator to use in case your phone is lost or stolen.
  8. Avoid putting your full name and address on luggage tags. Use only your last name and a phone number.
  9. Tear up or shred boarding passes before you discard them. The personal information on them could be used by thieves to steal your identity.
For more BBB news, go to the BBB website or follow the BBB on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.

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