Tips on avoiding identify theft

NEW YORK, 8 August 2010 – An estimated 5,500 travel professionals heading to the 2010 National Business Travel Association annual conference in Houston, US, over the weekend received emails warning them of the danger of identify theft while travelling and offering 10 top tips to help them avoid the traps.

The bottom line is be hyper aware and careful with personal and financial information even when travelling for business. Top tips from the experts:

1. According to recent reports, hotels are a favoured target of hackers, leaving hotel guests at greater risk of identify theft. Check credit card statement online immediately following checkout and upon returning from a trip and review for any unauthorized charges.

2. Do not publicise business travel plans and dates on social networking sites. Privacy settings on networks like Facebook and Twitter do not guarantee information will not be accessed by unauthorised viewers.

3. Carry only vital items, and nothing that includes a social security number, in a wallet or purse. Pickpockets can obtain business and personal financial information, increasing the risk of identity theft.

4. Do not carry personal documents in checked luggage where one has no control over the security of belongings.

5. Make copies of all important documents (passport, itinerary, reservation confirmations, credit cards) and give them to trusted family and friends before leaving so that they can help contact the appropriate third parties in case a wallet and/or bags are stolen.

6. Do not use or carry debit cards. A stolen debit card can be used to immediately empty an account, preventing one from being able to obtain cash if needed.

7. Carry no more than two credit cards. The second card is only to serve as a back-up should the primary become damaged or shut down by the issuer. (Fraudulent events can occur that cause issuers to opt for shutting down a person’s account, which would leave one without access to funds.)

8. Check bank and credit card activity from a secure online connection and/or at an ATM at least once during the trip. This will help one quickly detect whether they have become a victim of “skimming,” which often occurs in restaurants and bars where copies of the magnetic strip are made in order to make a counterfeit card.

9. Use hotel room safes or hotel safes to store all valuables, including anything that contains personal identity information that could be used by identity thieves.

10. Beware of Wi-Fi hotspots, as they are usually not secure and unencrypted. Make sure to use a firewall to protect data and, when possible, limit access and avoid doing any financial transactions or using passwords with accounts.

The tips were issued by Europ Assistance USA, which offers emergency services to corporate customers and employees who face an emergency. The agency has offices in 208 countries and territories and is owned by Generali and part of the Europ Assistance Group.