One of the most searched phrases of 2018 is How To Protect Myself From Identity Theft. In 2016 there were 172,919 cases of identity theft with 25,000 victims being under the age of 30. Identity theft is a huge problem around the world but now, it has become a serious problem in Spain.
How To Protect Myself From Identity Theft. Are you going on holiday and worried about Identity Theft In Spain? You are right to be worried, especially after it was revealed that Spain has a huge problem with identity theft.
According to the Statistical Office of the European Union (Eurostat), identity theft in Spain is on the increase and that is why we have brought you tips and advice for people who ask How Can I Protect Myself From Identity Theft in Spain.
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Spain is a wonderful country to visit, with great places to enjoy including Albir, Costa Del Sol, and Tenerife. However, even before you arrive in Spain you could become a victim of identity theft.
Follow our tips to have an enjoyable holiday and avoid being a victim of identity theft in Spain.
- When Booking a holiday rental use a recommended and legitimate rental site.
Each year thousands of people become victims of booking a rental property to only find when they arrive in Spain they have been conned. However, that is not the only problem. When not using a recommended and well-known site you are not only putting yourself at risk of being conned out of your money, you could also find yourself having your personal details and bank details stolen.
When you make your payment for a booking make sure you use a reputable third party to transfer the funds which can include Paypal.
- Leave your passport – driving licence in the safe
When you arrive in Spain it is important to leave your passport and licence in the safe. Pickpockets are on the increase in Spain and unlike the old days where they would just take your money, they are now looking for passports and driving licences to sell on.
- Don’t take sensitive documents on holiday
To avoid being a victim of identity theft in Spain it is important to leave all sensitive documentation at home. If you are not planning on renting a car when you go on holiday then please leave your driving licence at home.
Other documents to leave at home to stop being a victim of identity theft in Spain is your birth certificate, wedding documents, or bank statements.
Identity Theft In Spain How To Avoid Being A Victim
- Ask the post office to hold on to your mail
When you go on holiday it is important to ask the post office to hold on to your mail. If a burglar sees a property where the mail is stacking up then it is obvious to them that the homeowner is on holiday. This not only puts your home at risk but it also puts your personal data at risk.
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- Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi
We are all tempted to use public Wi-Fi while on holiday in Spain, but did you know that this could put you at risk of identity theft. Crooks are becoming very technical and are now becoming very clever when it comes to stealing data from your phones using public Wi-Fi spots. If you are going to use public Wi-Fi then make sure you only use those that are password protected.
- Pay with a credit card when making a purchase
A credit card gives you much better protection than a debit card. When you have been a victim of financial theft and fraud, a credit card company will provide you with protection. However, debit cards provide you with little protection which means any financial loss will have to be paid by you.
- Check your bank statements when you return
When you return from holiday in Spain it is important that you check your bank and credit card statements to make sure you have not been a victim of fraud. If you suspect you have been a victim of identity theft then it is important to contact your bank or credit card straight away.
If you have been asking yourself how do I protect myself from Identity theft while in Spain, then I hope we have provided you with enough information to keep you safe.