Airport Theft

Airports are a favourite with criminals as travellers tend to be easily distracted and more importantly for the criminal, they usually have all their important identity documents, cards and money in one easy-to-identify place.

Business travellers who use their laptops to log on to WiFi networks in airports may be vulnerable as it’s not always clear which networks are secure.

Airport Advice

• Keep your travel documents separate from your cash and cards – keep them on you rather than in your hand luggage
• Do not put your home address on display on your luggage labels.  Instead put your address inside the luggage and if possible use your work address rather than your home address.  You may be helping thieves identify properties likely to be empty for the next week or two

Checking in at Hotels

When you check in to a Hotel you normally provide them with a great deal of information about you – name, address, telephone number, length of time you will be absent from home and of course, your credit card information.

Most hotels are careful with your information but be aware that dishonest staff can easily take copies that can be sold to provide opportunities for identity theft.  Many hotel staff are on low pay!

Hotel Advice

• Consider using cash to pay or use a pre-paid credit card that can be “topped” up.  This would limit your risk
• If possible use your work address to register and your mobile phone number rather than your home phone number
• Be wary of hotel ATM machines especially if they look portable – check to that the wires at the back are actually plugged in
• Only provide as much information to them as is absolutely necessary – keep place and date of birth secret