Travelers need to beware at all times. In April, I was in Montego Bay, Jamaica for a Society of American Travel Writers board of directors meeting. The board was staying at the all-inclusive RIU Resort. I put my passport, some cash and my credit cards in my room safe. It remained safe for me throughout the trip, but a colleague was not as lucky.
“I just want to give you an update to the credit card ID theft I experienced from my hotel in Jamaica while there for our board of directors meeting in April,” said Cathy Kruzic, a board member of SATW. “You’ll recall from my e-mail a few weeks ago that my personal bank debit card was fraudulently charged $3,000 on May 8. I had hoped that was the extent of the theft, although I had contacted AMEX to let them know of the possibility for fraud.
“Now, a month later, on June 8 and 9, they began using my Amex card. After nine separate charges totaling more than $6,500, I received a call from Amex last night — fortunately I was just home from meetings in NYC,” she added.
“In fact, while the agent was on the phone with me, the thief tried to get another charge approved. All charges were in Jamaica and were everywhere from gas stations to restaurants and even Iberostar in Montego Bay.
“In preliminary investigations by my bank, it appears the cards were copied from my safe and the thief (thieves) made actual counterfeit cards. As a measure of proactive protection, I have now closed all of my credit card accounts and am waiting for re-issuance of cards. This has been a huge nightmare. I want you to know this so that as you travel — hither and yon — please be aware that safes aren’t necessarily safe. And just because you have your cards in your possession, and have never even used them, the thieves are now more savvy than ever.”
Cathy’s experience is a good warning to travelers. This could happen to anyone no matter the destination.
“I had a less-awful experience earlier this year,” said Lillian Africano, another savvy traveler and member of the Society of American Travel Writers. “when an incredibly adept gypsy pickpocket lifted my wallet in Marseille. I lost almost $500 in Euros (my family had asked me to get some), credit cards, even a blank check (unsigned). Had to close everything, even my checking account. Even experienced travelers can get hit by thieves and con artists.”
These are a couple of professional travelers. If it can happen to them, it can happen to you. You should always have two copies of your passport — one to leave with a family member at home and one to put somewhere other than with your passport.
New passports contain a small integrated circuit (or chip) that conforms to the latest international passport standards. This electronic passport provides automated photo verification, faster and more accurate immigration inspections and greater border protection and security.
New U.S. Passports also come with a credit card-sized card with space for your passport number and passport expiration date.
Also, when traveling, contact your credit card provider and let them know your travel destination and the length of your stay. This way, if any questionable charges come up or charges are made at or near that destination after your travel dates, the red flag will go up.
Most important? Never let down your guard.
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