US DESTINATIONS
use credit cards for security reasons instead of debit cards, however you may need one from your main bank in order to conduct business within it, such as paying bills, purchasing traveler’s cheques, retrieving balances or obtaining needed cash. (Remember that US and Canadian debit card systems are different). Alternatively, you may choose to
do your banking on-line. If that is the case, never use unsecure website access and be especially careful with wi-fi access points. Be very careful and avoid free (usually unsecure) wi-fi sites at cafes and some tourist locations. Be aware that pickpockets
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thrive in tourist areas. Keep wallets, purses and documents secure. Use fanny-packs under clothing where possible. If you are traveling in the US, Homeland Security and the US Border Patrol require that you have your passport on you at all times while in the country. Always be aware of your
surroundings. Te biggest downfall of recreational travel to new places is that we are not familiar with which are good or bad parts of town. Oſten the difference can be a single city block. Be consciously aware of shoulder
surfers and remember that shoulder surfing can be done electronically (cell phones, camcorders etc). Be aware of the location of security
cameras when you use ATMs or PIN pads.Tis is especially true when purchasing fuel, meals and groceries. Block the direction of sight so that the camera does not capture passwords or PIN numbers. Remember that your finger movements can be read across a room. Ladies, avoid placing your purse on
the floor or on door hooks of a public washroom cubical. It is too easy to
have it disappear while you are “busy”. Avoid contest entry forms that request your address, email, home phone, age and so on. If you must enter, then only show your name and cell phone number. Make sure you collect every
receipt and do not leave them behind. Especially in some of this countries rural areas where your account numbers may not be truncated (X’ed out). I have seen so many people leave or discard receipts. Be aware of who your new
“friends” are along the trail. In today’s world, some of the ‘fellow travelers” may be professional con artists. Be conscious of the type of
Be aware of the crumbs of information you scatter as you travel.
The whole exercise is to reduce your risk of loss and to decrease your vulnerability to it.
questions you are asked. Lastly, carry an emergency contact
name and number of your trusted person back home with you. Use I.C.E. in your cell phone address file. (In Case of Emergency) During today’s travel we transport
ourselves in two parallel universes. Te real world we are commonly familiar with and the cyber world we are oſten not as familiar with. Social media is a major part of the latter. For many of us it is a common ground for mistakes. Imagine who sees your announcements of joy – “Just three more sleeps and we are off on our journey to ….”. In reality, you just announced to the world that your house will be empty for an extended period of time. What an invitation to a potential break-in and theſt. Equally as important is to avoid talking about
your plans in open public places. You do not know what ears are close by that could take advantage of your excitement. Admittedly, it is fun to post your
whereabouts and your adventurous photos on various internet platforms. I strongly do not recommend doing this. It could either be an identity or safety issue. However, it is very important to have someone close to you keep track of where you are at all times. Establish how this will be done. Tere have been too many reports in the news of people missing or lost. Does this mean you should lower
your trust levels? To that I say “No, always be yourself”, but you must increase your awareness of how much trust you place upon those you meet along the trail. Be aware of the crumbs of information you scatter as you travel. Te whole exercise is to reduce your risk of loss and to decrease your vulnerability to it. To end in a positive note, the trip is to not only be fun time for the two of you to spend together… it is to the adventure and experience of a lifetime, and it will be as long as you build in the safeguards of prevention. In short, I want you to return home safely and securely, as well as always being the “ONLY YOU” there is.
George Greenwood is the President of Canadian Identity Resources Inc. and the founder of “Keeping Identity Safe Seminars & Training”. He is an Author, Speaker and Advocate for legislative change regarding identity issues. Please note – these tips are simply recommendations and do not represent legal advice.
www.keepingidentitysafe.com
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