Money News
People planning their summer holidays are being warned to be extra vigilant with their personal information and belongings, after new research from Capital One revealed that 45% of us don't use the safes provided in hotels - the majority of us leaving our passports and personal documents lying around hotel rooms and apartments, or carrying them around with us whilst out and about.
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Although some of us take some very basic steps to keep our belongings safe, such as hiding passports in our hotel rooms (20%) or keeping them on us at all times (34%), pickpockets are common in holiday resorts and unscrupulous hotel staff unfortunately do exist - leaving us as easy targets for opportunistic thieves.
In a bid to help combat the rise of ID theft, the credit card provider is encouraging holidaymakers to take a few simple safety precautions to keep their identities safe whilst abroad:
Inform your bank if you intend on being away from the UK for a long period of time Ensure your post is dealt with securely whilst you are abroad, Royal Mail offers a Keepsafe service.
Use the safe boxes provided in hotel rooms.
If you do want to carry your documents with you, use a concealed travel pouch, a money belt, or make sure you hold your bag firmly alongside your body.
Do not keep your cheque book and plastic cards together
Take two photocopies of your passport before heading off on holiday - leave one with a relative or friend and take the other with you, keeping the copy separate from the original.
Try not to let your credit card out of your sight in places like restaurants and shops.
If driving, don't leave bags or wallets in view of opportunistic thieves that could open your car door in slow traffic.
Keep your passport and personal documents with you - when travelling to your destination - in a hidden and zipped off section of your hand luggage.
If your passport is stolen or lost while abroad, report it straight away to the local police and get in touch with the nearest British Consulate or Embassy for further advice. The British Consul can issue an emergency passport if necessary.
Finally, once home, check your bank and credit card statements for any unusual activity
17 August 2007 © Moneyextra.com
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