Be you, wherever you are. Protect your identity.
Fraud. Identity theft. Card skimmers. The risks are everywhere in today’s rapidly changing world. Credit cards. Debit card. Passwords. Social Security Numbers. Discarded receipts. All up for grabs.
We know that taking steps to protect yourself and your finances has become part of your daily routine by now—and our main concern as your Credit Union—but it’s always good to make sure you have covered all your bases especially while traveling.
Here’s our top-ten list of things you can do to keep your identity safe while on your summer road trip, adventure abroad, or just leisurely sightseeing.
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Call your credit union, banks, and credit card companies and let them know you’re on the go!
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Stop mail delivery to your home. You can easily set it up online at https://holdmail.usps.com/holdmail/
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Clean out your wallet – only take what’s necessary – maybe it’s just your GE Credit Union credit card and driver’s license. Remember to leave your Social Security card at home and your Passport in the safe.
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Pay your bills before you leave home.
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Heard the expression TMI? (Too Much Information) Leave your travel plans off social media – you can relive and share memories once you are home.
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Use a carry-on appropriately. Don’t store everything in one place. Stash some cash on you too.
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Use the hotel safe. Stow valuables, documents and backup payments in there while you are out and about.
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Use good habits when using your debit or credit card: Stay away from public computers—even in hotel business centers—and ATMs at restaurants and other local establishment.
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Be careful when using public Wi-Fi.
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Don’t hesitate to act. If you think your identity or finances may have been comprised, make the call!
In addition to these travel tips, here are some other suggestions and resources for preventing and dealing with identity theft any time of the year:
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It's a good idea to review your credit report at least once a year. You can get copies from each of the three main credit bureaus for FREE all in one place at AnnualCreditReport.com.
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If you believe you may have been the victim of identity theft, contact ALL of your financial institutions and check out the FTC Identity Theft Web Site.[https://www.robodeidentidad.gov/] for additional information.
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Additional tips on preventing identity theft are available at the FTC website.
For more great financial tips and resources, visit our Financial Resource Center.