Summer Travel Safety Tips

Are you planning a summer vacation overseas or perhaps a get-a-way close to home? If so, you'll want to pack these safety tips while traveling as a reminder to protect yourself from scammers and identity thieves.  

1. When booking flights, hotels, and rental cars it is always best to use a credit card instead of a debit card. A compromised debit or ATM card can quickly leave you with a drained bank account. 

2. Take out information inside wallets and purses that are not needed for travel, including your social security card, miscellaneous credit cards, and other documents that can be used by criminals to steal your identity. 

3. Password protect your smart phone in case it is lost or stolen to prevent someone from finding out personal information stored on your phone such as photos, e-mails, etc.

4. Use only secure WiFi networks that require passwords and turn off the WiFi connection settings to your smart phone. Beware of internet cafes, hotel computers, or other public internet access places where hackers are known to troll.

5. If possible, use an ATM located inside a building and tear up your receipts immediately. Be careful not to flash your cash and as a precautionary measure, don't keep all of your money in one place. 

6. Most hotel rooms have a safe so guests can lock up valuables and documents. This is the “safest” place to keep what is important to you, not in your suitcase or under the bed.

7. Don’t use your passport for all identification needs. Lock it up and use either your driver’s license or an identification card at restaurants and entertainment places.

For more information about this safety and security tip, or to report a fraud or scam, contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office fraud line at 258-3292.