I read an interesting article in the Travel Weekly magazine this week regarding identity theft abroad. According to a survey undertaken by Capital One, 45% of those surveyed don’t use the hotel security deposit boxes, and 34% said that they keep their passport on them at all times.

Apparently criminals are using passports to find out personal information which could lead to financial fraud. The family safe holidays website allows travel consumers to securely register important information like your passport details.

Tips from Travel Weekly:

- Use safe boxes supplied in hotel rooms or within the hotel reception
- Use a travel pouch to secure money and bank cards when out and about
- Keep cheque books and bank cards separate
- Make two photocopies of your passport – one for family and one for you
- Once home check your bank accounts for unusual activity

An ABTA spokesperson said that consumers must ensure personal items are kept in hotel safes, because insurance companies won’t pay out if you don’t use the hotel safes. I’m not sure that is completely true, but it’s worth checking 1) if the hotel has a safe and 2) check the fine print of your insurance documents.

• Learning from your travel experiences
• Security tips on booking your Holiday Online
• Know Before You go – Passport and Visa Advice
• Survey Reminds us to Buy Travel Insurance

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