How to Help Prevent ID Theft While Traveling

As exciting as that upcoming trip is, it’s a smart move to seek ways to help prevent identity theft while traveling. In doing so, you can not only protect against ID theft but falling victim to hackers and scammers looking to break into your devices and steal your information and money. And I can attest that these simple tricks do work and they are worth employing if you want to give yourself more peace of mind while you’re far away. 

Luckily I had put these practices into, well, practice before a recent trip. Because while in Colombia, I kept waking up to a disabled iPhone as someone was remotely trying to hack it. Luckily, one of the methods in this list saved my phone and enabled me to get back to enjoying my trip. Follow along to learn how to help prevent ID theft while traveling. 

Measures to Prevent ID Theft Before Your Trip 

Traveling to new places is a thrilling experience, but it’s important to remember the value of preserving your identity amid the excitement. Before departing on your trip, take proactive steps to lower your risk of becoming an identity theft victim. In this first part of our series on preventing ID theft while traveling, we’ll explore crucial steps you can take before your departure to fortify your identity and shield yourself from potential threats.

1. Secure your documents

Start by storing all your essential travel documents securely. Make copies of your passport, driver’s license, and any other identification documents you plan to carry. Keep the copies separate from the originals and store them safely. Moreover, think about photographing or scanning your documents, then storing them in a password-protected cloud storage service or another safe digital location.

2. Notify your financial institutions 

Your impending travel arrangements should be shared with your bank, credit card issuers, and other financial institutions. This simple step can help them monitor your accounts for suspicious activity while you’re away. Please provide them with your travel dates and destinations so they don’t mistake your overseas transactions for fraudulent charges.

3. Minimize the information you carry 

Before leaving, evaluate the contents of your wallet or purse. Remove any unnecessary identification cards, such as library or social security cards that could be potential targets for theft. Carry only the essential cards you’ll need during your trip, and leave the rest in a secure place at home.

4. Strengthen your passwords

Take some time to update and strengthen your passwords for all your online accounts, especially those related to your financial institutions and email. Instead of using information that can be easily guessed, like a list of numbers or a birthdate, choose a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.

5. Enable two-factor authentication

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible, especially for your financial and email accounts. By requiring an additional verification step, such as a special code texted to your mobile device, before authorizing access, 2FA offers an extra layer of protection. This helps protect your accounts even if your password is compromised.

6. Secure Your Apple ID (iPhone users) 

In addition to keeping your phone’s software updated, there’s another way to protect your phone and the sensitive information it houses: securing your Apple ID. I was very fortunate that a friend shared this Instagram post explaining how to do this (and why it needs to be done) prior to my trip to Colombia where my phone was being accessed remotely. To do so, turn on screen time and block account and passcode changes.

Here’s how to secure your Apple ID: 

1. Go to iPhone Settings and select “Screen time” 
2. Toggle screen time “On” 
3. Content and privacy restrictions > “On” 
4. Account changes > “Don’t allow” 
5. Passcode changes > “Don’t allow” 
6. Set up a screen time passcode that’s different from your main passcode 
7. Skip the Apple ID recovery

Implementing these preventative measures before your trip sets a solid foundation for safeguarding your identity. Stay tuned for Part 2 of our series, where we’ll delve into essential strategies to protect your identity during your travels and keep potential identity thieves at bay. Remember, a little preparation can go a long way toward ensuring a worry-free journey.

How to Prevent ID Theft While Traveling

As you embark on your travel adventure, you must remain vigilant and proactive in protecting your identity. By traveling and immersing yourself in new cultures, identity theft is still possible. In this second part of our series on preventing ID theft while traveling, we’ll explore key strategies to keep your personal information secure during your trip, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience. Here’s how to help prevent ID theft while traveling:

1. Be cautious with public Wi-Fi 

Public Wi-Fi networks, such as those in cafes, airports, or hotels, can be breeding grounds for hackers seeking to steal sensitive information. Avoid accessing sensitive accounts, such as online banking or email, while connected to public Wi-Fi. Instead, establish a safe, encrypted connection with your data by using a virtual private network (VPN).

2. Watch out for your possessions

Identity thieves frequently use pickpocketing and bag snatching as their methods. Keep a close watch on your belongings, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots. Use a secure and concealed bag or money belt to store your valuables; never leave them unattended.

3. Beware of shoulder surfing 

Shield your PINs, passwords, and sensitive information when entering public spaces. Criminals may attempt to “shoulder surf” by watching your keystrokes or eavesdropping your conversations. Use your body or hand to block the view while entering your PIN, and be mindful of who may be nearby.

4. Limit sharing on social media

While sharing your travel experiences on social media platforms is tempting, exercise caution when posting personal details in real-time. Broadcasting your location or travel plans can make you an easy target for identity thieves or burglars. Consider waiting until after your trip to share your adventures or adjust your privacy settings to limit the audience for your posts.

5. Keep your devices secure 

Ensure your electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops, are protected with strong passwords or biometric authentication. Install security software, and keep your apps and operating system patched with the most recent updates. If your device is lost or stolen, turn on remote tracking and wiping options to find or remove all data.

6. Don’t use USB charging ports in public spaces 

Regularly check your financial accounts for unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity. If available, set up transaction alerts to receive notifications for unusual or large purchases. Reporting fraudulent activity promptly is crucial in minimizing the potential damage caused by identity theft.

When you travel, you can dramatically lower your risk of being an identity theft victim by adopting these precautions. Stay tuned for Part 3 of our series, where we’ll explore post-travel actions to ensure your identity remains protected after returning home. With a mindful approach, you can enjoy your travel experiences while keeping your personal information safe and secure.

How to Prevent ID Theft After Traveling   

While you may have bid farewell to exotic destinations, it’s important to remember that protecting your identity doesn’t end with your return. In this final part of our series on preventing ID theft while traveling, we’ll delve into essential actions you should take upon returning home to safeguard your personal information and maintain your peace of mind.

1. Review your financial statements

Once you’re back home, carefully review your financial statements, including bank accounts, credit cards, and other relevant accounts. Look for any unfamiliar transactions or discrepancies that could indicate fraudulent activity. Report any unusual activity right away to your financial institution.

2. Change your passwords 

As an additional layer of security, change your passwords for all your online accounts, including email, social media, and financial services. Consider utilizing a password manager to store and manage your passwords securely. Make sure your passwords are strong and tough to guess.

3. Monitor your credit reports

Check for any unauthorized accounts or inquiries. Every major credit bureau offers free copies of your credit report once a year. Review the report carefully and report any suspicious activity to the credit bureau. Check out our guides on how to get a free copy of your credit report with each of the three main credit reporting bureaus: 

• Experian 
• Equifax 
• TransUnion 

4. Stay alert for phishing attempts 

Be cautious of phishing emails or calls that may attempt to trick you into revealing sensitive information. Fraudsters may pose as legitimate organizations or financial institutions, so remain vigilant and avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information unless you can verify the authenticity of the request. Learn more about phishing and how to spot it. 

5. Securely dispose of travel documents 

Safely dispose of any travel-related documents that contain personal information, such as boarding passes, hotel receipts, or itineraries. Shred or destroyed these documents before discarding them to prevent dumpster diving or identity theft.

6. Consider a credit freeze or fraud alert

If you think that your personal information may have been compromised while you were abroad, you have the option of placing a credit freeze or fraud alert on your credit file. By being put into edit reports, a credit freeze makes it more challenging for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. A fraud alert notifies lenders to take extra precautions when verifying your identity before approving new credit.

Get the complete breakdown of what is a credit freeze, as well as how and when to freeze your credit. Alternatively, learn more about a credit freeze vs credit lock. 

By following these post-travel measures, you’ll be taking important steps to maintain the security of your identity and finances. Remember, vigilance and proactive action are key to preventing ID theft even after you’ve returned home. We hope you’ve found this series helpful, and we wish you safe and worry-free travels in the future!

Bottom Line: Prevent ID Theft While Traveling

Ultimately, it’s important to employ safety measures to help protect against identity theft no matter where you are – at home or on the other side of the world. However, there are added risks while traveling as you will likely be using your devices on new–and potentially–unsecured networks, charging from potentially risky USBs (e.g., at the airport or on the plane), and exposing yourself to increased risk of a watchful eye, thieves and other scammers. By following these steps can significantly reduce identity theft risk and help you enjoy worry-free travel.

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