News - Beware of Holiday Money Scams
August 7th 2007 - Card issuers warn holidaymakers to take care of the
plastic whilst on holiday.
Most of us are aware these days of the dangers of credit card fraud
and identity theft but too many holidaymakers leave their brains at
the airport when it comes to credit card and money security. Losing
your credit cards can really put a damper on your holiday so it's worth
following a few simple tips which might prevent a lot of heartache.
- Don't take all your plastic with you on holiday.
If you don't need to take all your cards then leave some at home in
a safe place.
- Make a note of the emergency numbers of your card issuers and keep
thems somewhere apart from the cards. This also applies to travellers
cheques - make a note of the numbers and then tick them off as you
cash them. ( This seems like the kind of thing an accountant might
like to do on holiday but you only need to get your travellers cheques
nicked to realise what a good idea it is!).
- If your accommodation has a safe, make sure you use it - The guy
that's rummaging through your room while you're on the beach knows
all the hiding places you can think of and then some. Hiding stuff
under the bed, on top of the wardrobe, in the fridge or behind a picture
is best left to James Bond.
- If you don't have a safe place to leave your money and credit cards
then take them with you. Keep valuables in a money belt or specialised
wallet such as the ones that hang around your neck inside a shirt
or that attach to your belt inside your trousers. Bum bags
and rucksacks are a no-no, they may appear secure but are vulnerable
to being cut open with a craft knife or razor blade - you won't feel
a thing untill you reach for your money to pay for that souvenir or
drink...
- Beware of card skimming - in a restaurant, ask the waiter to bring
the card terminal to your table or go with him to the till and watch
your card the whole time. Always check your statements when you return
from holiday and contact your card issuer immediately if you are concerned
about any transactions.
Finally, if you are unlucky enough to be robbed or ripped off - report
it to the local police and call your credit card/travellers cheque supplier
- they can often organise replacements within a few days, enabling you
to carry on enjoying the holiday. Credit card theft and fraud is a worry
to everyone but by following the above simple advice, we can make ourselves
far less likely to fall victim to it.
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