Q: Last summer's vacation would have been great except some inexpensive jewelry was stolen from our hotel room, and my husband's credit card mysteriously debited an unconfirmed charge of $570. Obviously, the issuing bank removed the charge, but my bracelets are gone forever. I'd like some tips before we leave again next month. -- Alma Anxiety
A: Dear Alma: It's too bad we sometimes learn lessons the hard way before we become our own best activist in a given situation.
In the past, I've suggested ways to defend ourselves in a local setting against day-to-day larcenists, identity thieves and other lowlifes. A startling statistic for 2008 shows 9.9 million Americans became victims of identity theft. so each of us must pull out all the stops and take necessary steps to avoid becoming a 2009 statistic.
Whether through experts' and/or my advice (plus simple common sense) most folks already know plenty of safety tactics. So without actually discussing the obvious, just remember to lock all doors and windows, arm the security system, ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye out, suspend newspaper and mail deliveries, ask for periodic police/sheriff ride-bys, and leave lamp timers on (the same ones generally on when your family's at home), among other measures.
But what about security policies while we're away from home to avoid Alma's bouts with crime?
* While I've urged readers to purchase LifeLock (www.lifelock.com), which is a godsend against identity theft, it's still wise to make copies of all important documents you're taking with you, including the backs of all cards with essential contact info. Pop all passports, medical ID cards, driver's licenses, credit cards (the fewer the better), and so forth in a copying machine before you go.
Be sure to keep one copy in a home safe or a safe deposit box and another copy to travel with you. On the latter, however, scissor off part of the essential information (for example, the last four numbers of your credit card or, if you hold a Medicare card, delete the last four numbers of the Social Security number).
* Jay Foley, co-executive director of the Identity Theft Resource Center (www.idtheftcenter.org), a nonprofit chock-full-of-expert-advice organization, tells us not to carry more than a couple of credit cards and an ATM card. No, no, no to carrying your debit card or ATM pin, though. If you can't memorize the pin number, then substitute traveler's checks.
While I'm embarrassed to admit it, especially since I support technological means, I've never used an ATM and, in fact, don't even carry a card. On the other hand, I do advocate the use of traveler's checks; if stolen, they can be reimbursed almost immediately, although their usage also comes with significant safety guidelines.
* Hide your funds. So many creative tools are available it's practically dim-witted not to squirrel away one of these on your person. Whether a leg hideaway, neck pouch, security billfold, security belt, bra pouch or sock hideaway (all available on travel Web sites), you won't worry about having your pocket picked or purse strap cut. Frankly, I'm pretty paranoid when I travel so my thoughtful husband recently bought me a safety-enhanced shoulder bag.
The straps cover steel cables like the steel throughout the purse. One tip I learned years ago from a former FBI agent is to carry a fake billfold in case of an actually robbery, as opposed to "thievery." Include a few $1 bills, a couple of fives, and maybe even a $20 nestled up to an expired credit card and a fake ID card. The theory is if someone points a weapon at us (even if "just" fists), we don't want to tick him off further by not having a wallet or billfold to hand over.
To be continued next week.
Ellen Phillips is a retired English teacher who has written two consumer-oriented books. Her Consumer Watch column appears on Saturdays in the Business section of the paper. An expanded version is at www.timesfreepress.com under Local Business. E-mail her at consumerwatch@timesfreepress.com
Ellen Phillips is a retired English teacher who has written two consumer-oriented books. Her Consumer Watch column appears on Saturdays in the Business section of the paper. An expanded version is at www.timesfreepress.com under Local Business.
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