Security when traveling.

Be very careful when traveling, especially to places you have never been to before. You may not know which areas of your destenation you should avoid.

Some places are especially prone to pickpockets. Use security wallets inside your clothes, and before you leave home make a copy of your license, credit cards, etc. both front and back. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call to cancel. Take the copy with you on your trip.

When you leave your hotel or cruise ship don't carry every credit card you own, leave all but one card locked in the hotel or ship safe. If something happens and you are robbed, you stil will have backup cards to use. Don't take your debit cards, use only your credit cards.

If your wallet or credit card is stolen You should cancel your credit cards immediately, and the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those copies where you can access them on your trip. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).

Here are the numbers to the 3 national credit crporting organizations you will need to contact about your wallet, credit cards, etc, if it has been stolen:
1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
3.) Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271

If you are traveling with your passport, you should have a copy of it also and put it with the copy of the license, credit card, etc.