Vacation time is prime time for pickpockets, who want more than your cash these days. The information you carry in your wallet may be much more valuable. How can you protect yourself from identity theft while traveling?
Retain your rental agreements. Some people rent cars and keep the rental agreement in the glove compartment or the slot by the front window. If someone breaks into the car, they have your name and address.
Protect your handheld devices and laptops. Use a password to keep thieves from having easy access to the account information in your email in-box or elsewhere on your hard drive.
Most people have not password-protected their handhelds even though these devices contain all their account information, in case they need to do a transaction while on the road.
Hold onto ATM and credit-card receipts. Those receipts may include full credit-card numbers and expiration dates. Keep them at least until your bill is settled.
Leave your checkbook and any other unnecessary papers at home. If your wallet or purse is stolen, the thief may steal your identity, too.
