How Can I Protect Myself from Identity Theft While Travelling?

Identity theft has become a serious concern in the growing age of the digital world. With almost everything existing in a digital form, from financial data to even sensitive personal information, it is even more critical to protect your digital identity. Identity theft is a serious concern where your personal information is misused for fraudulent activities. It can even result in leaving you penniless and concerned. An identity theft, especially when you are traveling, is even worse when you have limited funds and only a few people to help you in a foreign land. The identity imitated by the fraudster can be misused for criminal activities or other harmful things like blackmailing, extortion, or unauthorized financial transactions on your behalf. Here are some of the ways how you protect yourself from various identity thefts while traveling.

Types Of Identity Theft and How to Safeguard Against Them

Traveling is a refreshing experience that opens up new perspectives of life. With new cultures and countries to explore, it can be an exhilarating experience. But, with the advancement in technology, identity theft can cause harm to unsuspecting people.

- Credit Card Theft

Credit card theft is the most common way to fraudulently present your identity for financial transactions in your name. It is mostly a physical theft (stealing your wallet) or can even be carried out through credit card skimming or by way of a data breach of your stored information. To avoid such an incident, you can keep your credit cards in a safe place. Make sure OTP authentication is turned on by default in addition to disabling all contactless payment methods on your card. In case you notice your card is missing, call your bank immediately to report such a theft, asking them to block it immediately. When traveling to a foreign country, you can purchase a dedicated forex card that works on a prepaid system. If you have a travel insurance plan, you can also seek an emergency-cash advance facility, if available. *

- Mobile Phone Theft

While your mobile phone with digital facilities makes traveling convenient by storing your hotel accommodations, flight tickets, and other related information, it sure poses a risk too. It contains your sensitive and personal information too. In the event of mobile theft, miscreants can use the sensitive information stored by the applications on your mobile to forge your identity. Ensuring your mobile phone is secured with either biometric authentication or secure passwords can help you protect confidential information. Avoid storing passwords in plain text anywhere. In case you lose your phone, make sure to file a police report immediately, deactivate your SIM, and also remotely wipe all data therein. *

- Card Skimming

Card skimming is a technique where specialized devices are installed to look like a part of the ATM or the swipe machine. These devices collect the information of your card along with the passwords and can be replicated to produce counterfeit cards. When traveling, do not swipe immediately on any POS machine. Inspect the machine for any loose parts and always cover your PIN when entering one. Further, make sure to check your bank statement periodically if you are going on a long trip. * *Standard T&C Apply These are some ways how you can protect yourself against identity fraud, do not forget to opt for an international travel insurance cover. These plans have various coverage spending on your requirement. There are also specialized plans that can be purchased like a travel policy for students, travel insurance for senior citizens, travel cover for business trips, and more. Depending on your requirement, you can choose a suitable cover.   Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.