Ways to avoid ID theft on the road

Tourists are prime targets for identity thieves, said Lyn Chitow Oakes of TrustedID, which provides theft protection services. “People can identify you as being from out of town,” Oakes said.

Some advice:

* Use a credit card to pay for most purchases, and carry small amounts of cash. Traveler’s checks can be forged or lost, and personal checks carry your bank account number. Debit cards are tied to your bank account. Use one credit card while on vacation to limit exposure to thieves.

* Empty your wallet. Leave unnecessary personal information at home, including Social Security cards, insurance cards, bills and prescription information. If you need to carry such documents, bring photocopies and keep them with passports in your hotel room safe.

* Make sure nobody’s standing next to you when you’re using a computer or ATM. Put your hand over the screen, drape something over a monitor or ask a family member or trusted friend to shield you.

* If your passport is stolen, call the U.S. embassy in that country. If your driver’s license is taken, contact your state’s motor vehicles department. Place fraud alerts with credit-scoring agencies if someone has obtained your Social Security number. Close compromised accounts.