Tax Strategies & Credits

Vacation Is A Time for Relaxation, Not a Time to Worry About Identity Theft

Vacation Is A Time for Relaxation, Not a Time to Worry About Identity Theft

Do you remember a few years back when older Americans were receiving phone calls in the middle of the night, allegedly from their grandchildren, claiming that passports or credit cards had been stolen while they were abroad and asking for them to send money? The scam was aimed at confusing people, and relied upon their concern about their family members, and it was strengthened by the knowledge that traveling to strange places can open you up to all kinds of risk.

When we leave the comfort and familiarity of our homes we do so with all of our most important documents and resources close at hand, and that means that they are easy pickings for those intent on stealing our cash and our identities. Tourists who are bowled over by gazing up at sites like the Eiffel Tower or the Acropolis aren't paying attention to the pickpockets who are pilfering their passports or looking over their shoulders at ATM, and that split second when somebody takes advantage of your distraction can mean a nightmare once you get home, or even difficulty in getting on your return flight.

In order to safeguard yourself against vacation identity theft, you need to be aware of the dangers and guard against them. With twenty percent of consumers finding themselves victims of smartphone, credit card, identification or passport theft while traveling, it is important that you do everything that you can to protect yourself. Here are some of our top suggestions:

• Keep a copy of your passport in your luggage

It's a simple step but extremely useful. If your passport is stolen you need to report it to the American embassy immediately in order to get a new one, and for many people, the battle begins when the customer service people who are trying to help ask for your passport number. Have the information readily available by copying it before you leave and tucking it into a pocket of your luggage, and you can help yourself even more by taking a photo of it and keeping it in your cell phone's photo album, or sending it to a relative back home so that they can provide you with the information in case everything gets taken or lost.

• Think about the message you're leaving at home

When you're on vacation that means that you're not at home, and the more people know that the more vulnerable your property is to theft and burglary. Don't let the newspapers pile up in your driveway or the mail in your mailbox - both can be stopped with the click of a mouse or a simple phone call. At the same time, think carefully before posting message on social media about going away, or even posting photos from your vacation. You're better off waiting until you're home and then posting an entire album then letting the social media world know that your home is empty for the next ten days.

• Lighten your wallet's load

The more things you have in your wallet, the bigger your notification burden and stress if it gets stolen. Clear out all of the extraneous cards (you don't need your Metro Card or supermarket frequent shopper number), and only bring the identification and credit cards that you need.

• Make sure that you are password protected

Having to punch a PIN or password into your tablet or smart phone may be a pain when you're home, but when you're traveling it's a good idea to safeguard the information that's available on these electronics by increasing the security and adding some kind of password or locking protection. Smartphones are one of the prime targets for pickpockets, so don't make things easier for them. And DO make things easier for yourself by activating the locator services that many of these devices make available.

• Be aware of WIFI access

Cafes and hotel lobbies that offer free WIFI are a traveler's delight, but they are also insecure zones where people can hack into your computer and steal your identity. Make sure that the internet zone that you're using is secure, or better yet invest in your own portable hotspot while you're traveling. Be especially vigilant when using public computers and make sure that you log out of any sites that require a sign in.

• Be extra vigilant at ATMs

There are a lot of advantages to using an ATM in a foreign country, particularly the fact that most of them offer the most beneficial exchange rates. But you need to be aware of how easily PIN numbers can be stolen by skimmers and cameras that are just out of your sight. Though it may feel like being vigilant about your personal identity and security means that you're not able to fully relax and enjoy your vacation, taking the extra steps and being aware of your surroundings can end up saving you a lot of heartache when your vacation is over.

Identity theft can lead to other types of crimes, including tax refund fraud. If you have bene a victim or need assistance with your tax preparation needs, contact Salt Lake City CPA Ken Riter at (801) 613-0900.

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Keith Vincent

Keith Vincent

Ken Riter is a Certified Public Accountant based in Holladay, Utah. He is a graduate of the University of Utah and brings broad financial and tax preparation experience to bear for each of his clients. With strong computer systems experience, Ken has empowered many business clients to gain better control of their finances by utilizing the power of the computer. His years of tax planning and tax preparation experience give his clients a distinct advantage in their tax needs. Starting in Salt Lake City, our company history is built on a tradition of service, technical expertise, and innovative thinking to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.

RITER & COMPANY, CPA
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