Identity theft is not merely something that happens on the Internet. You can lose your identity in real world cons, scams, and outright theft also, but we tend to think of it as an online crime because that’s what we see most often in the United States. An interesting fact is that the money stolen from banks in the USA online far exceeds the amount physically stolen. However, traveling outside the USA brings different risks into play. Many times your physical security is at greater risk when you are traveling, and your identity is at risk because stolen credit cards, drivers license, passport, can and do happen.

I travel quite a bit for business and pleasure and visit some pretty varied places so I try to keep up with crime news in the places I’m going. Some of this stuff may sound a little far fetched to you as you sit in your living room reading this, but when you are the only green eyed, blond haired American (I’m not profiling. The reality is we are targets because any American’s pocket change is worth stealing if you’re a local who has nothing) in an entire region then it is prudent to protect your body and your identity.

Here are tips I’ve picked up over the years for you to stay safe.

Always keep track of expenditures you have made using your credit and debit cards (and in a hotel watch what gets charged to your room). Save your receipts so you can compare them to the entries in your account statement. As an aside regarding receipts, some developing countries still use carbon to make copies so tear it up – otherwise they have your card information and your signature. If you can do so securely (you don’t want your username and password sniffed at an open WiFi hot spot), view your statement online to verify that the charges are accurate. Report any discrepancies as soon as you find them. If your identity is stolen, then the thief won’t stop fraudulent charges until your card is suspended.

Better yet, use cash to remain anonymous while keeping your credit cards safe. Some say that it is risky to travel with lots of cash, but I think in many ways it is safer to travel with a lot of cash. You don’t always have to carry it all. If you’ve got a safe in your hotel room store cash and documents there. If you do carry all the cash then separate it. Carry small bills in your front pocket, larger bills in your wallet, then divide the reserves between somewhere hidden on your body and your bag. By hidden, I mean in a money belt, secret pocket in your shirt or pants, or a neck pouch that you can wear under your clothes.

In the immortal words of Kenny Rogers, “you never count your money, while you’re sitting at the table”, comes the next bit of advice. Waving a wad of cash around in Manila Airport just might be the dumbest thing you could do regarding your personal safety. When you change money, count it at the counter before you leave, shielding it from public view with your body, and then make sure no one follows you when you leave the money changer. Don’t carry your wallet in your back pocket. Remember, travelers are targets for pickpockets.

Don’t give out personally identifying information (PII) to anyone. Con men are smart. They’ll ask you your name, where you’re from, and where you’re staying. Before you know it they have enough info to target you or your hotel room for a robbery and/or steal your identity. Don’t forget to treat your information as the valuable asset it is. Important documents, identification, and credit cards are popular targets for robbery. Before you go away, copy all important assets and save the copies somewhere safe while you’re traveling. I get very protective of my passport, probably a result of traveling through Vietnam before the US had re-established diplomatic ties, when any police or military officer in the country could stop me and ask to see my papers. I have a copy of my passport in a document case that I leave in the room safe, and another copy that I keep handy to show people when asked. My actual passport usually remains hidden on my body and I only display it when necessary. Also, you may need a copy as a backup if the original is stolen or lost, plus it will help you replace stolen items.

It’s important to orient yourself when you land and when you check into your hotel. If you think you might be going somewhere sketchy, either ask the concierge if it is safe, or don’t go there. I think it goes without saying that if you engage prostitutes or buy drugs then you are putting yourself at risk.

When you’re at the airport, keep a close eye on your belongings. A common scam involves someone innocent looking approaching you and asking you a harmless question. While you are distracted an accomplice steals your bags. If you sleep at the airport, make sure to wrap the strap of your bag around your wrist or ankle so you’ll feel if someone tries to take it. Another common scam involves the security checkpoint. You put your bags on the conveyor belt and get in line for the metal detector. The person in front of or behind you sets the detector off on purpose causing the line to be delayed. During this time an accomplice watches your gear and while you are detained grabs it off the conveyor and walks away with it. Never let your gear out of your sight. I have argued with security personnel worldwide (including a few minutes ago in Manila) that I’m not stepping through the metal detector until I see my belongings enter the x-ray machine.

Always protect your smartphone. Remember, stolen smartphones are valuable because of the data they’re holding, not just that someone could run up a big bill. Many people store financial account info on their iPhones or Blackberries. Make sure that phones are locked and if possible the data is encrypted. Your laptop is also an attractive target for thieves. Don’t put your stuff down or lose sight of it. My rule of thumb is that nothing I need leaves my sight other than to go into my hotel room safe. Laptops should of course be password protected and data should be encrypted. Or, have a separate netbook just for travel that has no data on it and carry your data with you on an encrypted USB storage device or SD memory card.

Traveling is fun, but remember that you are out of your element just about at all times. Be security-minded with regard to your physical and information assets. Pay attention to your surroundings. A safe vacation is a happy vacation.

Related posts:

1. The IDGuardian Podcast: Episode #006 — Protecting Your Identity While Traveling
2. The Tax Man Cometh (and identity thieves are not far behind)
3. The IDGuardian Podcast: Episode #005 — Threats Facing Consumers Online
4. The IDGuardian Podcast: Episode #004 — Why Black Friday Could Be a Red Carpet for Scammers
5. Identity Safety for Your Teens