Preparing for a trip to Europe is a busy time that is filled with excitement. With so many things to take care of, it can be easy to forget to make preparations against identity theft. The truth is that many countries do not possess consumer fraud protections. This fact makes it vitally important to prioritize identity-theft protection when preparing for a trip to Europe.
Only Use Credit Cards
Debit cards are fine to use for daily purchases at home. However, when you’re traveling abroad, it is much better to use a credit card. Credit companies usually provide better fraud protection, so you will have limited liability if your credit card is compromised. If you have more than one card, it is probably a good idea to only take one of these cards abroad. You should also leave your checkbook at home if you use one. These tips are even more important during the holiday season. According to Khonsari Law Group, increased spending around the holidays can put you at greater risk of credit card theft.
Avoid Scams
Tourists are the perfect target for shady individuals. And, while many travelers will think themselves smart enough to avoid scams, you should remember that criminals get much more practice at springing their traps on unsuspecting tourists than you get at avoiding them. One popular scam to be on the lookout for is the friendly helper at the ATM machine. They will often tell you they want to help you find lower ATM fees or avoid fees altogether. In all likelihood, the good samaritan is trying to scan your card with a card skimmer. According to BBVA, another thing scammers might do is to steal your credit or debit card while they trick you into thinking that they need you to help them with a dropped purse. Another scam to look out for is the sudden appearance of fake police officers. These “officers” will then ask you for your identification and steal the information they need. It is important to remain vigilant and use common sense when traveling abroad.
Use the Hotel Safe
According to A Dangerous Business, unless you have an immediate need for them, all important documents should be placed in the safe at your hotel. Many travelers keep a second wallet that they place in their hotel’s safe. This wallet will often contain a passport copy for each person traveling with the group, numbers for all cards, and the phone numbers of the companies that issued the cards. This will enable you to quickly make contact with the appropriate companies if your cards or information is stolen. Unfortunately, there are times when the scammers you seek to avoid will be part of the hotel staff where you are staying. You should try to book hotels that allow you to set your own combination to a safe instead of one where the safe can be opened with a key.
There are few things more exciting than enjoying a trip abroad with friends and family. However, it is important to take the time to ensure all members of your party are entirely safe. One step in this process is to ensure your identity is protected.
Here’s another article you might like: Know Before You Go — How to Get Familiar With Unfamiliar Travel Destinations
