Summer is a great time for softball, picnics and travel. Unfortunately,
good vacations may be spoiled by losing a purse or wallet. In addition to
losing cash, you have cards that must be reported and replaced.
Plan ahead and know what to do if you have to take quick action. The
typical mix of documents that you might be carrying could include two credit
cards, two ATM cards, two forms of photo ID including a driver's license,
and a passport. If you are in transit and have no address to receive a duplicate
card, you are going to be in a fix if you can't cover your traveling needs.
Having two credit cards and two ATM cards provides you with continued access
to funds between the time a card is lost and when you can receive a duplicate.
The best strategy for traveling with two cards is to carry only one credit
card with you and keep backup cards in a hotel safe along with your ID cards
and passport.
Before you leave home, fill out several 3 x 5 cards with phone numbers
to notify credit card and ATM issuers in case your cards are lost or stolen.
The numbers are generally toll-free in the United States. Collect-call numbers
are common out of the United States. Keep this information in several different
places and make sure traveling partners have the same information. Also leave
credit card information, passport numbers, etc. with family or friends at
home. It's a good idea to alert your credit card issuers when you'll be traveling
out of the country - they won't think that your card has been stolen and
deny payment authorization.
Your loss on credit cards is limited to $50 per card and $50 per card
for debit cards if you report a loss within two days. However, if you report
between two and 60 days, you will be responsible for $500 per card.
Be sure your debit card uses a PIN, or personal identification number, to
access your funds. Newer ATM cards are being issued without PIN numbers and
can be used by anyone who finds them.
Make a copy of the page in your passport with your picture and passport number.
This will help expedite a replacement. Carry a couple of extra passport photos
with you as well.
To board an airplane, you must have a form of government ID. Most of us use
a driver's license or passport, but our backups are limited. If you have
a military ID card, this will serve as a backup ID. Keep your backup ID in
a separate place from your primary ID. Carry your wallet in your sock or
credit card in a pocket with a button or zipper closure.
These sites share safety and protection tips to help you protect your
property
ASKACOP.org