Burnsville, Minnesota – July 22, 2014– Summer is a
great time for getaways, but while you’re on vacation, criminals are still hard
at work. Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) warns
consumers that they can find themselves tripped up by their own vacation plans
if they don’t first take some precautions.
“Scammers never stop thinking, so consumers have to be
looking ahead too,” said Dana Badgerow, president and CEO of BBB of Minnesota
and North Dakota. “The stakes are always high.”
According to Javelin Research’s 2014 Identity Fraud
Study, more than 13 million Americans had their identities stolen last year,
and it cost an average of $3,500 to fix related problems. According to the
Federal Trade Commission (FTC), ID theft has surpassed drug trafficking to
become the most prevalent crime in the nation.
BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota advises consumers to be
on the lookout for fraud in all of its forms, particularly technology-based
schemes. Here are steps people setting out on vacation can take to protect
themselves:
Keep an eye on your credit cards – When standing in line
at a ticket counter or restaurant, don’t leave your credit card in plain view.
Someone can snap a photo of it over your shoulder and use the information
fraudulently.
Copy vital cards and documents – It’s a good idea
to keep a record of your credit card, passport and other important numbers – in
a safe place – in case your wallet or purse is lost or stolen. Leave identity
documents and cards that you don’t need at home. Make sure you keep a record of
customer service numbers in case you run into a problem while you’re out of
town.
Check receipts during vacation and after – When you
get home, go through your bank and credit card statements to look for any
unauthorized charges. If something is amiss, contact your financial institution
immediately.
Manage your mail and newspaper delivery online –
Before leaving town, visit www.usps.com/manage-your-mail to have your mail held while
you’re away. It’s a good idea to do the same thing with the daily newspaper and
ask a neighbor to collect any packages shipped special delivery.
Be careful with social media – Make sure nobody in
your family announces that you’re going away for an awesome vacation. If your
account settings are public, people you might not want to have that information
can easily access it. Always be careful when posting photos from out of town
for the same reason. Be sure you’re clear about your privacy settings on your
social media accounts, and remember, people talk. There will be plenty of time
to post your fun photos when you’ve returned from your trip.
Don’t get skimmed – Always inspect the card reader
slot before using a standalone ATM or gas pump. Law enforcement agencies warn
that criminals can place a fake card slot cover on these machines to enable
them to capture customers’ financial information.
If you plan to use your credit cards while away, it
may also be a good idea to contact your credit card provider or bank ahead of
time. In an effort to prevent losses from fraud, financial institutions may
refuse some credit card transactions from out of state if they do not match
your typical spending pattern. Letting your credit card provider and bank know
when you are leaving town - and returning - and where you are going might
prevent a hold from being placed on your credit or debit card.
For
more helpful tips, the latest consumer news and free Business Reviews, visit www.bbb.org.
