Safety Tips for Holiday Travelers and Visitors

bleubitz — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 10:09:39 -0800

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- This is the time of the year where police normally see a higher rate of identity theft, and San Francisco officials are providing some safety tips for travelers.

"What we know during the holidays in particular is that we see that people are more vulnerable and so for that reason, there's a spike," said San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris.

The holiday season is a time when people are more vulnerable because they are making more purchases and generally out more.

Harris said if you are planning to be away for the holidays, you should secure your mail.

"Arranging that the mail will be held by the post office and or at the very least, making sure that your mailbox is capable of being locked and will remain locked while you're away," said Harris.

And if you become a victim of identity theft, San Francisco Police Chief George Gascon said you have to report the crime.

"Start contacting all those institutions that you're dealing with where someone using your identity could actually impact your credit rating, could start getting into your bank account, into your credit account," Gascon said.

One tip: xerox the front and back of your ID and credit card for safekeeping.

KCBS’ Margie Shafer Reports