How to Prevent Identity Theft When You Travel and Help if It Happens

Key Takeaways

• Steps travelers may take to help reduce the likelihood of identity theft while traveling.*
• How to recognize risks related to documents, devices, and public networks.*
• How travel protection may help with identity‑theft‑related challenges if all plan conditions are met.*

Having your identity stolen on a trip is probably not high on your list of major travel worries, but it should be. More than 400,000 items are pickpocketed every day around the world, and many of those are IDs of some sort.

Do you know what to do if your identity is stolen when you travel – and do you know how to help prevent identity theft from happening? Our list of tips can help you keep your identity safe and help if your identity is stolen while you’re on vacation.

First, do you know what the top identity theft risks are when you travel? they’re stolen passports, wallets, and credit cards. So, obviously, your theft-prevention efforts should be centered around keeping those items secure.

Jump to our video with tips for what to do if you're identity has already been stolen

Best Ways to Help Prevent Identity Theft on Vacation

1. Hang onto those important items

Seems to be really obvious, but the best way to not have your identity stolen is to not have your wallet, passport, or credit cards stolen. And awareness is the first step in making that happen.

Know where these documents are at all times. Be obsessive about it, but not to the point where you’re continually checking their location – by patting a pocket, for instance. Determine a secure location for these items, put them there, and be aware that they’re there. Check surreptitiously when no one is around.

For those obsessed with keeping their documents safe, consider a pouch or belt, or the “pickpocket-proof” clothing from Clothing Arts.

Also read: How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Passport on a Trip

2. Avoid Public Computers and Wi-Fi

A public computer or Wi-Fi network is a little like a sandwich you find laying on the street. You don’t know who had it, where it’s been, or how it got there. If you need to use a computer when you travel, bring your own, and if you can’t avoid public Wi-Fi,  avoid logging into sensitive accounts, especially anything involving online banking.

Also read; Wi-Fi Travel Security Tips

3. Consider a VPN

A VPN, or virtual private network, is a secure way for you to access the internet from anywhere. Many businesses have VPNs set up for their business travelers; if you’re traveling for pleasure and don’t have access to a business VPN, consider an app-based VPN like IVPN, SaferVPN or Nord VPN.

4. Clean Out Your Wallet

If your wallet is like most people’s, it’s jammed with multiple credit cards, a library card, a couple of discount cards, some nearly expired gift cards, insurance cards, and an obedience-school graduation photo of your neighbor’s dog. Reduce the contents of your wallet to what you actually need for your trip. Your pocket will thank you, too.

Also read: REAL ID and Flying - What You Need to Know

5. Let Your Credit Card Company Know You’re Traveling

Call, email or visit your credit-card provider and let them know where you’re traveling and when. This will help them better identify suspicious charges.

Also read: Why Credit Cards Aren’t a Great Solution for Travel Insurance

6. Shred Boarding Passes

Boarding passes are storehouses of personal data that can be used to steal flyers’ identities. The best thing to do is shred boarding passes after they’ve been used – or better yet, download the airline app and store your boarding passes on your phone. Now all you have to do is remember to hang onto your phone.

Read more about frequent travel concerns

7. Change passwords

Change sensitive passwords – for banks and credit cards, for instance – before you travel and again when you come back home. This will help deter identity thieves and give you some extra peace of mind as well. Just don’t forget your new passwords!

8. Be choosy about ATMs

Use ATMs in well‑lit, secure locations such as airports or banks. Avoid using ATMs at night. Before inserting your card, carefully inspect the machine for anything unusual—such as loose card readers, hidden cameras, or unfamiliar attachments. Always cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN.

Also read: 7 Travel Safety Tips to Help Protect Your Trip from Disaster

9.  Check Your Credit Score – Before and After You Travel

 Your credit score can sometimes reveal identity theft before you’re even aware of it. You may also want to use an identity‑monitoring program to help ensure your account numbers haven’t been compromised or circulated on the dark web.

Identity Theft Resolution

Identity theft can happen to any traveler, and fraudsters are finding new ways to steal information every day. Fortunately, Generali Global Assistance can help.

Generali Global Assistance travel protection plans come with 180 days of Identity Theft Resolution Services. Customers have access to this support on vacation and after their trip, in case they don't notice theft while they’re traveling.

The service will help notify creditors about fraud, help cancel affected cards and issue new ones, report the fraudulent activity to local authorities and forward a report to creditors. In addition, Generali Global Assistance’s  24/7 travel assistance services can help notify banks or other agencies if an ATM card, passport or driver's license is stolen.

In addition, our travel protection plans offer Travel Delay and Trip Interruption coverages. So, if you incur a documented theft of your passport during your travel dates, you may receive coverage for expenses associated with rescheduling your travel while waiting for your passport replacement and even be reimbursed for fees related to getting a new passport under Baggage coverage.

Following these tips can help you avoid the hassle and anxiety of identify theft on vacation. And, if you become a victim and have a travel protection plan from Generali Global Assistance, you can rest easier knowing that you’ll have help resolving the situation.

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Disclaimers

• Coverage availability varies by plan and by state.*
• Identity Theft Resolution Services availability and scope depend on the traveler’s plan and must meet all conditions.*
• Reimbursement for losses, stolen passports, or additional expenses is subject to Baggage coverage terms and documented proof.*
• Statistics or examples included are for general informational purposes only and may not reflect current data.*