Fourth of July – 4 Identity Protection Tips

So, it is that time again when America celebrates its independence. The fourth of July is a momentous occasion, but it can lead to identity theft unless you do certain things to protect it.

Fourth of July – 4 Identity Protection Tips

1. When you take that long awaited vacation trip to your favorite fireworks destination don’t forget to lock your windows and doors.  Put your home security system on and tell as few people as possible that you will be out of town.  If you are going to your friend’s barbecue next door do the same.  Criminals, like your friend who you don’t know is a criminal, are quite aware that holidays such as the Independence Day are feeding grounds for burglaries and theft.
2. Take your most useful identifying and financial information to your vacation destination.  Don’t stuff your wallet with 7 credit cards, 3 blank checks, and $1,052 in cash.  In an event of loss or theft of your wallet you are S.O.L., and that doesn’t mean sun in Spanish.  Take one or two major credit cards, like a rewards card, no check book and spread your cash between you, your significant other, and even your kids.  That way you will have a couple bucks to get back to the hotel, campground, or a luxurious bear cave.
3. Try to keep your wallet with you at all times.  Don’t leave valuables and personal information in your hotel room as you may find yourself robbed without a gun and a robber present.  Hotel personnel and very persistent thieves find ways of stealing sensitive information (name, address, telephone, credit card numbers, and social security numbers) when you are away.  You may comeback to a seemingly untouched room, but your identity may have been stolen.  I don’t recommend buying an optional safe, since the digital code can be reset by hotel personnel.  In the end, if you really have to leave your identity in the room (going to the pool or water park) put the DO NOT DISTURB sign on your door handle.
4. Leave your social security card at home as you won’t need it.  Having all the IDs and credit cards with you by itself is an identity theft risk, but having it with your social security number is plain financial suicide.  In the perspective of an identity thief it would be a jackpot to find all the information in one convenient place, like your wallet.

Have a happy 4th of July! Be safe.