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Retired Master Forger's Travel Tips
on How To Prevent Identity Theft

There are some items people typically keep in their wallets or purses that are better left at home rather than risk identity theft while traveling, according to retired master forger, Frank W. Abagnale, Jr.

Abagnale’s early life of crime – conducted when he should have been in high school - is recalled in Steven Spielberg’s movie Catch Me If You Can, starring Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio. Last year, nearly 3/4 of a million Americans were victims of identity theft.

"Traveling with extra checks in your wallet, credit cards you don't
need, or a list of all your bank account numbers is almost an invitation for identity theft," Abagnale warned. "Too often, identity thieves start their work with a stolen wallet or purse. The more information in your wallet or purse, the easier it is for them to steal your identity.

"If you don't need to carry three credit cards while you are traveling, then leave the extra ones at home," he said. "Just carry the cards you need while you are on the trip. You should also join a service like IdentitySecure (1-866-263-8258) to help you cancel and replace these cards if they are lost or stolen."

Abagnale's other tips for protecting your identity while traveling include:

  • Never carry extra checks or bank deposit slips in your wallet or purse.

  • Never carry a list of all your bank account numbers in your wallet or purse.

  • Never carry your Social Security card or number on a trip.

  • Use the hotel safe to safeguard extra cash, identification papers you do not need to carry and cards you are not using that day.

IdentitySecure makes it easier for victims to recover and get their credit and lives back on track. IdentitySecure is a membership service offered by Trilegiant Corporation that addresses the growing threat of identity fraud. The service protects members in the event they become a victim of identity fraud, and guides them through the process of resolving damage done by identity fraud. For more information about IdentitySecure, visit http://www.trilegiant.com/.