How to Prevent Identity Theft When Traveling

• Learn to recognize the danger areas

• Then learn how to cut them off!

Whether you realize it or not, the moment you board a plane to visit a foreign country, you become a prime target for any number of rip off schemes. Learning how to prevent identity theft when your visiting a foreign country should be tops on your list because your vital personal information is at risk.

The Problem is Worldwide

Prime vacation venues in Europe, Asia and Latin America are flocking with thieves and con artists who are all set up and just waiting for your arrival. They work in airports, hotels, restaurants, bars and drive taxis etc. Also don’t bother trying to pick them out because they can be virtually anyone.

Don’t Bother Trying to Pick them Out

In fact it’s the kind and friendly personalities that you have to be on guard for. The sweet friendly maid, the suave affluent hotel owner or manager, the helpful tour guide, the local church pastor or the local cop who’s moonlighting as your hotels security guard. It can be anyone.

Learn How to Prevent Identity Theft In Hotels

You see you’re on vacation, not them and they’ve had years to perfect their craft. Some of the best have been watching people like you come and go for decades and all they need is 30 seconds with your guard down to make their score. All the while, smiling in your face and treating you with the utmost outward respect.

It’s a Whole New Set of Rules You’ll Be Playing By

They also know that even if they’re caught, you won’t have the time in your schedule to stick around to testify in a court case. They know that once you see your documents missing, language barriers and logistical difficulties make it difficult for your to take any kind of immediate action. Even then, they can always bribe their way out of any problems.

It Only Takes 30 Seconds With Your Guard Down

So then how to prevent identity theft? Rule number one is to trust no one. Rule number two is to adopt basic security measures that would seem paranoid at home. This means that for instance, just because you’re in your hotel room or suite, doesn’t mean that your property is safe. In the time that it takes you to use the bathroom the maid can be in and out with your purse.

You’re Carrying Around a Small Fortune in Some Countries

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What you have to understand is that your maid or security guard is earning as little as $25 per day in many instances. In fact in most Latin American, Asian countries and even some European countries, these would be considered quite generous wages. For them and an accomplice to spend a day or two stalking you, is well worth it.

How to Prevent Identity Theft? – Don’t Take Your Eyes Off it

Any personal possessions that you don’t have your hand actually on are in danger of being ripped off. Set them down and the risk factor increases. Take your eyes off them and they increase even more. Leave the room or your seat with your eyes off them and the risk factor skyrockets.

Have You Ever Heard Of Keystroke Tracking Software?

So then how can you actually prevent “identity theft” when your on your vacation or business trip? To start off with never ever enter any passwords into any computer other than your lap top. Assume that keystroke tracking software is installed in any and all computers in hotels and Internet cafes.

Beware of ATM Machines in Non-secure Locations

Only use ATM machines that are located behind the doors of a bank, if at all possible. If your card becomes stuck after you have entered your password, then stop and call to have it canceled “immediately”. Even better yet, leave it at home and simply use travelers checks because that’s what they are for.

ATMs With Hidden Cameras and False Fronts


If you have no other option than to use an unsecured ATM machine, than take the time to check the machine out carefully. Remember the TV shows that you’ve watched that showed ATM machines rigged with hidden cameras and false fronts? Well they’re reality in foreign countries!

Use a Money Belt or a Security Purse

Use a money belt or a security purse and make sure to check into a hotel that has strong boxes in the rooms or access to a safe deposit box. Lastly don’t feel embarrassed about letting people know that you don’t trust them. Experienced and professional service staff will understand and won’t be offended. They live there, so they don’t trust anyone either!

The Sad Truth About Identity Theft

Truth is we all have about a 1/20 chance each year of being affected by identity theft. Yep, about 5% of the population each and every year and rising. Keep yourself protected, see exactly what I use for identity theft protection