The Federal Trade Commission estimates 9 million Americans have their identity stole annually. With carefree attitudes, college students traveling on spring break are likely victims of identity thefts.
Be prepared for spring break 2008.
“Call the credit card companies before you leave and get passwords for any cards you do take on the trip” said Heidi Marlin at Tiger Travel.
On the Web site www.FTC.gov, the Federal Trade Commission suggests using intricate passwords that do not consist of the last four digits of one’s social security number, mother’s maiden name or birthdates.
“The number one thing would be to go to your bank and get traveler’s checks” Marlin said. “If at all possible, leave the credit cards at home.”
Leigh Allbrook of Travel Travel in Auburn suggests using cash as much as possible, so there are no obvious tracks with the credit card number on it.
“Keep credit cards and driver’s licenses in the front pocket of your pants” said Marlin.
Identity thieves lurk in uncanny places. Marlin warns travelers to watch one’s credit card at service stations and restaurants, so the card is not replaced and stolen.
Also, be weary of cameras and camera phones that can snap pictures of your card number.
Marlin explains that someone can retrieve the credit card holder’s identity including one’s social security number, address and more from their credit card.
“Don’t use a credit card in some of the older machines that keep a copy of your card receipt.” said Allbrook.
Allbrook said when the consumer swipes a credit card in the machine, only the bank receives the credit card and pin number, so the merchant doesn’t see the personal information.
Before the trip, students can take precautionary measures to deter identity theft.
“When you go to a public Internet site, you should never book anything online” Allbrook said. “You should never send your credit card through a public Internet site because people can break into those cites.”
Unlike Auburn, where there is a password to get onto the wireless Internet, a public site is not secure and easy to hack.
Whether it’s the popular Freeport, Grand Bahamas, Panama City, Florida or Breckenridge, Colorado, many students are going on the Internet and booking the cheapest hotel. While understandable with a college budget, this is dangerous. Check for credibility of the hotel.
Allbrook said students should use credit cards to book at reputable hotels.
Many travel agencies, like banks, will not ask for personal information over the Internet, so one should never disclose personal information over the Internet.
When a student gets home from spring break, he or she must check for any unrecognizable charges on his or her online banking. This is a quick way to determine if the account is safe.
“Keep up with the credit card online.” said Allbrook.
What if identity theft happens to a student on spring break?
“If you’re on spring break and identity theft happens in Florida, a student must report it to officials wherever the crime occurred,” said Auburn Police Capt. Tom Stofer.
Since this is one of the fastest growing crimes and victims are young and old, the laws are stiff.
“Identity theft is a class C felony and punishable by a fine of not more than $15,000 and one to 10 years in prison” said Stofer.
Still, it is better to be safe on spring break and leave as much personal information at home.
