6 Ways to Avoid Identity Theft When Traveling

Many of us are excited about traveling again—it’s a chance to see new places and experience new things. But whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, at home or abroad, it’s important to protect your identity. Try these 6 steps to keep you confident in your personal security. 

Defend Your Documents 

We often travel with a passport, driver’s license, credit/debit cards, insurance information or even a birth certificate. Getting ahold of any of these important documents are a pickpocket’s dream! One trick to thwart them is to wear a neck or waist wallet under your shirt and/or keep them in different places. If you feel like you’re in danger, yell out. Sticky-fingered criminals get squeamish around targets that draw attention.

Don’t Use Shared and Unsecured Internet Connections

The hotel in New York, the café in France, the bus with the free Wi-Fi—just say no. Why? Because public connections are often open and unsecured. That means your information could be vulnerable, increasing your risk of identity theft. If the network has been hacked, the criminals can see every single thing you do or send. 

Never, ever use these connections for:

• conducting financial transactions
• updating account information 
• anything that exposes personal and financial information to others

Only conduct these types of activities on a secure network that you trust.

Plus, here are some more things you should keep in mind. Websites with “https://” at the beginning of their URL can help add some security. The “s” stands for “secure” and indicates that data is encrypted. The tool HTTPS Everywhere is a browser extension that may conceal your data communications on major websites. Another option is to sign up for a personal virtual private network (VPN). Costs vary, but you’ll generally pay less if you sign up for a longer period. Our research showed monthly fees that ranged between $2 and $10. 

Protect Your Phone

You may be more worried about your phone being stolen than your wallet—and for good reason! Many of us have banking apps, access to emails and saved login information for a slew of websites. 

Take steps to protect your identity by:

• setting a password on your phone
• disabling auto logins 
• setting up a GPS location app that tracks a lost phone (e.g., Google Find My Device or Apple’s Find My)

Be Hyperaware at ATMs

If you need cash during your travels and you plan to use an ATM, be mindful of the ATM type and location. ATMs are a favorite target of criminals. Some install card skimmers to steal credit card numbers and PINs. Others loiter nearby to catch you unaware and steal your money and information. 

To protect yourself, you could: 

• choose a financial institution ATMs rather than generic ones. They’ll be more likely to be monitored and have safeguards against criminals. 
• use your hand to shield the keypad from view. This can help prevent prying eyes and hidden cameras from seeing your PIN.
• change your passwords and PIN before going on a trip and then change them back when you get home.
• let your financial institution know when and where you’re traveling.

Check Your Accounts Often

During and after your trip, keep tabs on any changes in your accounts. This includes reviewing your bank activity and statements as well as your email and social media accounts.

Protect Your Information

We take account security very seriously at Navy Federal Credit Union. That’s why we regularly scan member accounts for unusual activity. We use state-of-the-art fraud prevention systems and offer a number of security features for your use. Plus, Navy Federal credit and debit cards are protected by our Zero Liability policy—you won’t lose a cent due to unauthorized charges. If you spot any signs of fraud or other security issues, don’t hesitate to contact us on our Report Fraud page.