When you travel… Do not be a tempting target!

Nothing is more relaxing and enjoyable than to travel to new places or revisit places that have fond memories.  Those that travel know that in the world we live, threats are a real and present danger.  Stay vigilant, remain alert, be aware of your surroundings, and make security part of your routine. 

Your personal safety is important.  Do not be an easy target!  Here are some things to consider…

·         Blend in, don’t be an easily identified target.  Wear casual clothing, windbreaker, and polo shirt and pack a plain suitcase with covered nametags.

·         Think ahead and choose safer options.

·         Do not bring attention to yourself.

·         Be aware of suspicious persons/activities.

·         Avoid public disturbances and political demonstrations.

·         Avoid religious sites where your presence may be offensive.

·         When renting a car choose a recent model, medium-size, sedan.

·         Inspect your rental car prior to leaving the rental car parking lot and every time the vehicle is left in an unsecured location

·         If you need to take a taxi during your trip Look for the distinctive markings of a legitimate taxi company (logos, color, vehicle type). 

·         When you check into the hotel, if possible, select a room located between the 4 and 6th floor Avoid rooms above the sixth floor--the maximum height that fire-department ladders can reach. For some fire departments overseas, and within the United States, they do not have equipment to reach hotel floors above the 6th floor.  Choose a room that opens to the hotel interior not to the exterior.  

·         When you enter your hotel room, check operational locks on doors, balcony, and windows.  Ensure phone works and that you know how to place emergency calls.

It's late. You are in your hotel room getting ready to get some rest after a long flight, a full day of business or hours of sightseeing in a new city. The phone rings. It's the desk requesting confirmation on your credit card number and expiration date. You provide the information; give a fleeting thought to wondering why they can't keep these numbers straight and go to sleep. Your next credit card statement arrives full of charges you never made. It wasn't the front desk calling after all.

Like all effective scams, this one is simple, does not arouse suspicion and gives the thieves a wide window in which to work. Unless the charges they make are so out-of-the-ordinary that your credit card company's interest is piqued, they may have weeks to enjoy spending your money.

Don't put yourself in a position to have your credit card rejected because your limit has been used up by someone else.

Never give out any credit card information on an incoming call. Asking for a number to call back is not enough. Clever thieves will come up with one. Independently acquire a number and call it. If you find out that the call was a scam, report it to the front desk immediately.